
T.-5.DENIS0N 6c COMPANY CHICAGO • 



Mip 



P"^K^ 3bs<* 







DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS 

Partial List of Successful and Popular Plays. Large Catalogue Free. 
Price 15c each, Postpaid, Unless Different Price Is Given 



DRAMAS, COMEDIES, 
ENTERTAINMENTS, Etc. 

M. F. 

Aaron Boggs, Freshman, 3 

acts, 2y 2 hrs. (25c) 8 8 

After the Game, 2 acts, 154 

hrs (25c) 1 9 

All a Mistake, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 

' (25c) 4 4 

American Hustler, 4 acts, 2y 2 

hrs (25c) 7 4 

Arabian Nights, 3 acts, 2 hrs . ' 4 5 
As a Woman Thinketh, 3 acts, 

2y 2 hrs (25c) 9 7 

At the End of the Rainbow, 3 

acts, 2% hrs (25c) 6 14 

Bank Cashier, 4 acts, 2 hrs. 

(25c) 8 4 

Black Heifer, 3 . acts, 2 hrs. 

(25c) 9 3 

Brookdale Farm, 4 acts, 2J4 

hrs (25c) 7 3 

Brother Josiah, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 

(25c) 7 4 

Burns Rebellion, 1 hr. . . . (25c) 8 5 
Busy Liar, 3 acts, 2J4 hrs. 

(25c) 7 4 

College Town, 3 acts, 2^4 

hrs (25c) 9 8 

Corner Drug Store, 1 hr. 

(25c) 17 14 

Danger Signal, 2 acts, 2 hrs.. 7 4 
Daughter of the Desert, 4 

acts, 2*4 hrs (25c) 6 4 

Down in Dixie, 4 acts, 2 % , 

hrs (25c) 8 4 

Dream That Came True, 3 

acts, 2% hrs (25c) 6 13 

Editor-in-Chief, 1 hr....(25c) 10 • 
Enchanted Wood, 1# h.(35c).Optnl. 
Everyyouth, 3 acts, \y 2 hrs. 

(25c) 7 6 

Face at the Window, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 4 4 

Fascinators, 40 min (25c) 13 

Fun on the Podunk Limited, 

1% hrs (25c) 9 14 

Heiress of Hoetown, 3 acts, 2 

hrs. (25c) 8 4 

High School Freshman, 3 acts, 

2 hrs. ..(25c) 12 

Honor of a Cowboy, 4 acts, 2% 

hrs (25c) 13 4 

Indian Days, 1 hr (50c) 5 2 

In Plum Valley, 4 acts, 2% 

hrs (25c) 6 4 

Iron Hand, 4 acts, 2 hrs. . (25c) 5 4 
Tayville Junction, 1% hrs. (25c) 14 17 
Kingdom of Heart's Content, 3 

acts, 2% hrs (25c) 6 12 

Lexington, 4 acts, 2%, h..(25c) 9 4 



M. F. 

Light Brigade, 40 min (25c) 10 

Little Buckshot, 3 acts, 2*4 hrs. 

(25c) 7 4 

Lodge of Kye Tyes, 1 hr.(25c)13 
Lonelyville Social Club, 3 acts, 

\y 2 hrs ..(25c) 10 

Man from Borneo, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 5 2 

Man from Nevada, 4 acts, 2~y 2 

hrs ....(25c) 9 5 

Mirandy's Minstrels (25c) Optnl. 

New Woman, 3 acts, 1 hr.... 3 6 
Old Maid's Club, \y 2 hrs. (25c) 2 16 
Old Oaken Bucket, 4 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 8 6 

Old School at Hick'ry Holler, 

iy 4 hrs (25c) 12 9 

On the Little Big Horn, 4 acts, 

2Y 2 hrs (25c) 10 4 

Out in the Streets, 3 acts, 1 hr. 6 4 
Prairie Rose, 4 acts, 2y 2 hrs. 

(25c) 7 4 

Rustic Romeo, 2 acts, 2 J4 

hrs (25c) 10 12 

School Ma'am, 4 acts, 1^4 hrs. 6 5 
Scrap of Paper, 3 acts, 2 hrs. . 6 6 
Soldier of Fortune, 5 acts, 2% h. 8 3 
Southern Cinderella, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 7 

Third Degree, 40 min (25c) 12 

Those Dreadful Twins, 3 acts, 

2 hrs (25c) 6 4 

Tony, The Convict, 5 acts, 2y 2 

hrs (25c) 7 4 

Topp's Twins, 4 acts, 2 h. (25c) 6 4 
Town Marshal, 4 acts, 2% 

hrs (25c) 6 3 

Trip to Storyland, 1^4 hrs. (25c) 17 23 
Uncle Josh, 4 acts, 2y 4 hrs. (25c) 8 3 
Under Blue ' Skies, 4 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 7 10 

Under the Laurels, 5 acts, 2 hrs. 6 4 
When the Circus Came to 

Town, 3 acts, 2^ hrs. (25c) 5 3 
Women Who Did, 1 hr...(25c) 17 
Yankee Detective, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 8 3 

FARCES, COMED1ETAS, Etc. 

April Fools, 30 min 3 

Assessor, The, 10 min 3 2 

Baby Show at Pineville, 20 min. 19 

Bad Job, 30 min 3 2 

Betsy Baker, 45 min 2 2 

Billy's Chorus Girl, 25 min... 2 3 

Billy's Mishap, 20 min. 2 3 

Borrowed Luncheon, 20 min.. 5 

Borrowing Trouble, 20 min.... 3 5 

Box and Cox, 35 min 2 1 

Case Against Casey, 40 min... 23 

Convention of Papas, 25 mjn.. 7 

Country Justice, 15 min...... 8 

Cow that Kicked Chicago, 20 m. 3 2 



T.S.DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers, 154 W. Randolph SI 




THE ROYAL HIGHWAY 



A COMEDY DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS 



BY 

CHARLES ULRICH 

AUTHOR OF 

"The Altar of Riches/' "A Daughter of the Desert," "The Desert- 
er," "The Editor-in-Chief ," "The High School Freshman," 
"The Honor of a Cowboy," "The Hebrew," "In Plum 
Valley," 'The Man from Nevada," "On the Little 
Big Horn," 'The Political Editor," "The Road 
Agent," "The Town Marshal," and "The 
Tramp and the Actress" 



CHICAGO 
S. DENISON & COMPANY 
Publishers 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY 



CHARACTERS. -* 



Arthur Morgan A Lawyer 

Charles Williams A Mine Superintendent 

Bill Hampton A Political Boss 

Harry Felton A Clerk 

Horace Allen A Secretary 

Rev. Dr. A. C. Jordan A Methodist Minister 

Jimmy Farrell An Ex-convict 

Sam Harrison A Detective 

Margaret Ames Known as Miss Holmes 

Lucy Matthews A Stenographer 

Mrs. Mary Jones President of the Ladies' Aid 



Scene — A Coal Mining Town in Pennsylvania. 



Time — Present Day. 



Time of Playing — About Two Hours and Thirty Minutes. 



SYNOPSIS. 

Act I — Parlor of the Gilson Hotel. 

Act II — Office of the Ames Mining Company. The next day. 

Act III — Morgan's law office. Two weeks later. 

Act IV — Same as Act I. A month later. 



Note — Production of this play is free to amateurs, but the sole 
professional rights are reserved by the author, who may be ad- 
dressed in care of the Publishers. 



COPYRIGHT, 1914, BY EBEN H. NORRIS. 
2 



OCLO -3859. 0CT 23'9'4 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 



STORY OF THE PLAY. 



Coming into possession of an inheritance of several mil- 
ions of dollars by the death of her father, who had acquired 
his fortune in coal mining operations in Pennsylvania, Miss 
Margaret Ames wearies of the common fads of fashionable 
New York society and of the attentions paid her by self- 
serving suitors. She feels that she is not living in her proper 
sphere, nor devoting her wealth to proper uses, and she 
resolves to go to the coal mining town which is maintained 
by her mines, where, under an assumed name, she may 
meet new conditions, and in a new environment find the 
royal road to happiness. 

Assuming the name of her mother she leaves New York, 
ostensibly on a world tour, and with a note to her superin- 
tendent directing him to place Miss Margaret Holmes at 
work in his office as stenographer, she goes to Pennsylvania. 
She begins her duties in her own office and in her leisure 
hours she studies the needs of the town, its people and 
institutions, and soon the news of many anonymous cash 
donations is spread broadcast. None suspect Miss Holmes 
and she finds delight in pursuing her philanthropic work 
secretly. x 

Miss Ames meets and loves Arthur Morgan, a young 
lawyer of advanced ideas. A mutual attachment follows, 
and when Morgan announces his intention of running for 
Congress he gains the enmity of Hampton, a political boss, 
and Williams, the superintendent of the Ames Mining Com- 
pany. They learn that the Rev. Dr. Jordan has received 
$5,000 from an anonymous donor with which to erect a par- 
sonage, and they resolve to rob him with the aid of Farrell, 
an ex-convict, and fasten the crime upon Morgan. The rob- 
bery is committed and Margaret overhears the accusation 
against Morgan. She frustrates the design of Hampton and 
Williams by producing $5,000, which she returns to Dr. 
Jordan with the statement that she had found the. money. 

Williams, who formerly was a convict with Farrell, and 
who has driven Morgan's sister to suicide after he had 
married her under an alias, resolves to get rid of Miss 



4 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Holmes and discharges her. She enters Morgan's office as 
stenographer and does so much good work in Morgan's 
campaign for Congress that Hampton and Williams, who 
are financially interested in a rival candidate, charge her 
with being a confidence woman for whom the police of sev- 
eral cities have been searching. She refuses to reveal her 
identity when Morgan asks her to deny the charge, her pur- 
pose being to test Morgan's love for her. He refuses to 
believe the accusation and vows nothing can destroy his 
love for her. 

Miss Holmes returns to New York clandestinely and 
Morgan searches in vain for her. He learns that Williams 
is the man who wronged his sister and he is about to kill 
him when Farrell returns and slays Williams because he 
had "done him dirt." Meanwhile Margaret returns to the 
town as Miss Ames and Morgan's happiness is complete. 
Comedy is provided by Harry Felton and Lucy Matthews, 
fellow employes of Margaret's in the mining company's 
office, and by Hampton and Harrison, a detective. 



SYNOPSIS FOR PROGRAM. 

Act I — Harry appeals to Williams. "I'll never get this 
load off my chest!" Hampton annoyed. "Morgan's in the 
race for the Congressional nomination." The game of mod- 
ern politics. Williams' secret. The bribe. Morgan defies a 
political boss. "I'll crush you like I would a fly!" Harry 
in love. "Somebody's always butting in!" An anonymous 
philanthropist. The compact and avowal of love. "I will 
answer you soon." The robbery and accusation. Margaret 
saves Morgan's honor. "No, it was Providence!" 

Act II — Lucy's lament. "I wish I had a millionaire 
friend like Miss Ames !" Love making difficult. Farrell 
butts in. "Youse is playing a game of hearts what ain't in 
your contract." Williams divides the spoils. A robber's 
protest. "I don't know what keeps me from knifing him 
now!" Margaret defies Williams. ''Where did you get that 
money?" A villain's kiss and punishment. The agreement. 
"Together, we cannot fail !" Hampton's suspicions aroused. 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 5 

Margaret's experiment disclosed. "I'm on the royal high- 
way to happiness!" The power of attorney. Hampton de- 
fied. " You'll be at my feet crying for mercy!" 

Act III — Dr. Jordan and Mrs. Jones in a quandary. 
"Who is this anonymous philanthropist?" Hampton threat- 
ens Margaret. "If you don't call off Morgan, I'll put him 
wise to you!" Margaret accused of working a confidence 
game. "The New York police are looking for you!" The 
tables turned. "I'll get your measure all right!" The story 
of Morgan's sorrow. "I could not forgive the woman who 
deceived me!" Harry and Lucy on strike. Morgan mysti- 
fied. The nomination and accusation. Morgan's faith re- 
mains unshaken. Margaret's joy. "You are indeed a man 
among men!" 

Act IV — Margaret's disappearance discussed. Dr. Jor- 
dan receives another anonymous donation. "I have it in my 
shoes!" Morgan in despair. "This suspense is driving me 
mad !" The letter. "I'm on the track of the man who killed 
my sister!" The convict's secret. "Williams was my pal in 
Sing Sing!" The threat. "He done me dirt!" Morgan 
mystified. Margaret reveals herself. Hampton applies for 
a job. "Gee! She's an iceberg!" Margaret's plea. "How 
little you know of true love!" Williams pays the penalty 
of treachery. "I got the blood of a pup and he won't bark 
no more!" Harry's promotion. On the royal highway. 



CHARACTERS AND COSTUMES. 

Morgan — Tall, strong and handsome young man of pleas- 
ing address and manners. He is a lawyer, quiet and re- 
served, capable of expressing firmness and emotion. He 
wears ordinary street suits, of stylish cut, a change for each 
act, though not imperative, being desirable. 

Williams — A man of about thirty-two years old, surly 
and nearly always irritable. He has been a convict, and 
while keeping this secret he has engaged in politics and 
gradually gone down the scale. Should be played with quiet 



6 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

force to be effective. He wears an ordinary suit of light 
material in Acts I and II and a dark suit in Acts III and IV. 

Hampton — A man of forty years, slightly bald and gray. 
He is a political boss, dominating, rough and not well edu- 
cated. He has a sense of humor and is bold and aggressive. 
He wears more or less slouchy clothes, two changes of suits 
being necessary. 

Felton — A young, dashing fellow, a clerk, jolly, good- 
natured and laughing much of his time. He must be lively 
and vivacious. He wears light suit with straw hat in Acts 
I and II and dark suit in other acts. 

Allen — An elderly, well groomed man, slightly gray at 
the temples. He is quiet and undemonstrative. He should 
change street and office costumes in each act, Prince Albert 
coat and silk hat. 

Jordan — An elderly minister of the gospel, quiet and at 
all times pious. The conventional ministerial costume should 
be used. 

Farrell — A young man, rough of manner and using the 
brogue of the "tough" rounder. He is a convict and thief, 
shifty, evasive and revengeful. He wears cheap suits, with 
cap and a handkerchief around his neck. 

Harrison — A country detective, about thirty years old, 
cool, quiet of manner and gentlemanly. One street suit, 
with badge of office, may be worn throughout action of play. 

Margaret — A young woman of twenty-one years, hand- 
some, genial and well educated. She must be capable of 
expressing all the emotions which are essential in the proper 
portrayal of a leading character, that of a rich woman who 
leaves her environment of wealth for that of the lowly, 
for the sake of principle. She wears an ordinary street 
gown in Act I, an office dress with apron in Acts II and III 
and a walking gown of fine material and fashionable cut in 
last act. 

Lucy — An ingenue, vivacious and capable of taking care 
of herself at all times. She is continually quarreling with 
her sweetheart. She wears street gowns in Acts I, III and 
IV and office dress' with apron in Act. II. 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 7 

Mrs. Jones — An elderly woman, slightly gray, devoted 
to charity and church work. She is sedate at all times. She 
wears appropriate gowns and may change costume every 
act if desired. 



PROPERTY LIST. 

Act I — Upholstered furniture for hotel parlor, sofa, 
chairs, large center table, vases with flowers, pictures on 
walls, rugs, etc. Letters for Williams. Cigar for Hampton. 
Small handbag and stage currency for Margaret. 

Act II — Furniture for business office, two flat-top desks, 
office clock, table with several large account books, letter- 
press with stand, clock on wall, hat rack, two typewriters, 
chairs, stationery, etc. Pen and ink for Margaret, Lucy and 
Williams. Document for Morgan. Stage currency for 
Williams. 

Act III — Furniture for lawyer's office, flat-top desk, 
chairs, sofa, law books in cases, revolving bookstand, let- 
ter-press, typewriter, stationery, etc. Document for Har- 
rison, magazine for Mrs. Jones. 

Act IV — Stage props same as Act I. Letter for Felton 
and Morgan. Document for Margaret and Lucy. Revolver 
for Farrell. 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 



SCENE PLOT. 



Acts I and IV. 



H Door \ 



Chair Doo 

Chair □ | J □ Chair o nf S\ > 

Fireplace Table Sofa\J> 



£ 



Act II. 

H Door | ■ 1 Window |- 



A 



, I l i i I I 

' Hat Rack Letter Press Table 

_ ■ Typewriter Door 

J or Q Stand Chair 

I Chair D [ | D Chair DeskQ 



Act III. 

zr 



H Window h- 



rCJ Statue Book Case v \ 

Chair Screen^, \_ 

D c-\ Door 

ChalrD | ~| D Chair Sofa \j T 



Desk 



STAGE DIRECTIONS. 

R. means right of the stage ; C, center ; R. C, right cen- 
ter; L., left; 1 E., first entrance; U. E., upper entrance; 
R. j E., right entrance, up stage, etc.; R. D., right door; 
L. D., left door, etc. ; D. F., door of flat or back of the 
stage ; up stage, away from footlights ; down stage, near 
footlights ; 1 5., first groove, etc. The actor is supposed to 
be facing the audience. 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY 



Act I. 



Scene: Waiting room of hotel in 4, zvell illuminated, 
it being evening. Curtained entrance C. in F. and practical 
doors R. U. E. and L. U. E. Fireplace with mantel, R. 2 
E., with easy chair in front of it. Various objects, such as 
vases, etc., on mantel. Round table R. C, oh which are 
books, magazines and writing materials, paper cutter, etc. 
Chairs to R. and L. of table and another so placed that 
persons using it face the audience. Scene may be beauti- 
fied at will with statues, busts and pictures, to give the im- 
pression of quiet elegance and comfort. See scene plot for 
stage setting. 

At rise discovered Felton standing at fireplace, and 
clock off stage strikes seven. 

Felton {looking at watch). Seven o'clock and Williams 
not here. I guess he's tied up with Bill Hampton scheming 
to do up Morgan in some way. (Crosses to table and picks 
up book.) I've got to assert my rights as an American citi- 
zen and insist upon that raise of salary Williams promised 
me months ago. (Throws dozvn book impatiently.) Hang 
it! If I don't get it I don't marry Lucy, for how can any 
white man keep a family on ten per in this God forsaken 
town? 

Enter Williams, C. D., carrying several letters, one of 
which he opens as he comes down C. 

Felton (discovers Williams, turns and stands before 
fireplace). There he is now. It's now or never. 

Williams (aside, as he sits at table R. C, facing audi- 
ence). I soon must make a master stroke or all is lost. But 
how shall it be done? (He reads letter eagerly.) 

Felton (crossing to table R. C. — to Williams). Mr. 
Williams. 

9 



10 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Williams (looking up with a start). Ah, it's you, Fel- 
ton. 

Felton. Sure thing, sir. (Pulls himself together.) I 
wanted to talk to you about something highly important. 

Williams (as he reads). Important! You haven't re- 
signed, have you? 

Felton. Resigned ? Good Lord, no ! It's nothing like that, 
you know. It's about Lucy Matthews — (pauses in inde- 
cision.) 

Williams (as he reads). Well, what of her? 

Felton. Well, you know, Mr. Williams, we — Lucy and 
I — she — (wipes face with handkerchief in confusion) . 

Williams (sharply). You haven't the pip, Felton, have 
you? 

Felton (desperately). I wish I had! Anything is better 
than what I'm suffering from. 

Enter Hampton, C. D. He stands at door for a moment 
on seeing the others, then slowly crosses to R. and down 
towards table. 

Williams (chuckling). What are you suffering from? 
Not the measles, I hope? 

Felton. Well, it's this way, Mr. Williams. I've just got 
to tell you that Lucy and I — 

Williams (looking at letters). I'll give you an opportu- 
nity to finish your story tomorrow morning. I'm too busy 
now. 

Felton (protestingly) . But give a fellow a chance — 

Hampton (coming down to L. of table at R. C. — inter- 
rupting). I hope I'm not interrupting a pleasant little 
tete-a-tete. 

Felton (aside, in despair). I'll never get this load off 
my chest. 

Williams (to Hampton). Glad you've come, Hampton. 
I've something important for you. 

Hampton. And so have I for you, Williams. (To Fel- 
ton.) What in Sam Hill are you waiting for, Felton? 
Don't you see I want to talk confidential to Mr. Williams? 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 11 

Felton (angrily). That's what I was doing when you 
butted in. 

Williams. What's that you said, Felton? 

Felton (going to C. D.). Oh, it'll keep like eggs in 
storage, I suppose. 

Hampton (waving his hand). Then fade way, kid; fade 
away. 

Felton (indignantly). What do you take me for — an 
ink spot? (Exit CD.) 

Hampton (sitting on sofa, L. C). Ready for a powwow, 
Williams ? 

Williams (putting letters in pocket). Yes. 

Hampton (taking cigar from pocket and lighting it). 
You've heard about Morgan, I s'pose? 

Williams (starts). What's he up to now? I hate that 
man. 

Hampton (insinuatingly). You don't like Morgan any 
more'n I like to listen to a lecture on pure politics, reform 
and all that rot, eh? Say, what's Morgan to you? 

Williams (annoyed). Nothing. We are only acquaint- 
ances, that's all. 

Hampton (disgustedly). Ah, cut out that rot! You're 
hiding something from me; but as long as you don't step 
on my corns, I won't let out a howl. (After a pause.) Well, 
Morgan has injected himself into the race for the Congres- 
sional nomination. 

Williams (laughingly). Good! You know what show 
he'll have to get there. 

Hampton (as he smokes). When you've been in the po- 
litical game as long as I have, Williams, you'll bump up 
against the undeniable fact that there ain't nothing sure in 
this life except death and taxes. 

Williams. Of course; but you don't mean you're going 
to give him the nomination ? 

Hampton (puffing smoke leisurely). Ask me if I'm go- 
ing to donate $5,000 to the Ladies' Aid Society. . 

Williams. That means — -? 

Hampton. Just this. Mr. Arthur Morgan, lawyer and 
leader of the political reform movement in Pennsylvania, 



12 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

don't get this Congressional nomination so long as Bill 
Hampton controls the machine. And believe me, I ain't 
a-going to give up that grip. 

Williams (rising and crossing to C. before Hampton). 
But have you considered everything, Hampton? Morgan is 
a tenacious chap and far more popular in this district than 
O'Grady. 

Hampton. Popularity be jiggered! I kin handle 
O'Grady, but Morgan's one of them chaps with fool no- 
tions about the rights of citizens at the polls, pure politics, 
public office a public trust and other durned fads. 

Williams (thoughtfully). It's these fads, Hampton, that 
are downing the big bosses everywhere. 

Hampton. But they don't down Bill Hampton — see? 
Besides, I want to get even with him for beating me in the 
Simpson case before that jury of Socialist mutts in Judge 
Sampson's court last summer. He don't get no favors from 
me after that, you bet. 

Williams (consolingly). That was rough, I admit; but 
he had the law and evidence on his side. 

Hampton (annoyed). Durn the law and evidence! What 
do they count against me, the boss of this great Republican 
district? (After a pause.) By the way, Williams, who's 
this new gal you've got for a stenographer? 

Williams. You refer to Miss Holmes? 

Hampton. Surest thing you know. Where's she from? 

Williams. New York, I think. I'm sure I don't know. 
Why do you ask? 

Hampton. Fire her. 

Williams. That's impossible, Hampton. She's a protege 
of Miss Ames and far beyond my reach. 

Hampton. Piffle! You're superintendent of the Ames 
Mining Company's plant here, I take it. 

Williams. Even if J had the authority to discharge her, 
what should prompt me to do that? 

Hampton. Because, little one, Morgan has got next to 
her and you're about the only one in town who ain't wise 
to it. 

Williams (frowningly) . Nonsense! 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 13 

Hampton. They go out together every chance they get. 
I saw them at the moving picture theater last night and 
they enjoyed it like a couple of kids. My! But she's a thor- 
oughbred ! 

Williams {thoughtfully). Thoroughbred, indeed ! She's 
a queen. 

Hampton. A little soft on her yourself, eh? No? How 
the deuce did she ever come to accept a twelve dollar a 
week job with the Ames Company? 

Williams. She came here two months ago with a letter 
from Miss Ames directing me to employ her, so I found a 
place for her, of course. 

Hampton {after a pause). Have you seen Miss Ames? 

Williams. I have not had that pleasure. 

Hampton. Gee ! She's a lucky gal to come into ten mil- 
lions or so left her by that skinflint father of hers, old Sam 
Ames. If she's got half his sagacity and got to nosing 
around here, something might happen, eh? 

Williams {rising and zvalking R. and L.). What has all 
this to do with the important business you alluded to just 
now? 

Hampton. Simply this. Morgan having shown his hand, 
we've got to get busy and block his game. 

Williams {at C.\. How shall this be done? 

Hampton. Put up a bulletin in the Ames colliery order- 
ing every delegate to the Congressional convention to stand 
pat for O'Grady until I give orders to the contrary. 

Williams {dubiously) . But you must be aware O'Grady 
is most unpopular with the coal miners since he voted 
against the miners' disability bill in the Legislature. 

Hampton {disgusted). Bunk! Cut out the morality stuff, 
Williams. Tell 'em if they don't stand by O'Grady you'll 
fire the bunch. 

Williams. And cause the Federation to call a strike? 
I'm afraid I can't do it, Hampton. 

Hampton {angrily). Look here, Williams, you'll do as 
I say, or maybe Miss Ames will get a polite note giving her 
a little line on that coal deal with Fisk in Philadelphia last 



14 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Williams (threateningly) . No threats, Hampton. Mind 
that ! That Fisk deal is forgotten, and if it crops to the sur- 
face I'll hold you personally responsible. 

Hampton (laughingly). Hold me responsible! Why, 
Fisk is ready to give the snap away himself. 

Williams. Impossible ! He would not dare ! 

Hampton. You don't know Fisk; that's plain. He tele- 
phoned me today that if O'Grady didn't get the Congres- 
sional nomination, he'd squeal against us about the deal 
which, you know, cost the Ames Company $40,000 and 
netted you nearly that sum. 

Williams (alarmed, as he looks about). Fool! Don't 
speak so loud. 

Hampton. Pooh ! There's no one to hear us. Where's 
your nerve? We've got to listen to Fisk, nominate O'Grady 
and divide the spoils — see? 

, Williams. What assurance have we that Fisk will re- 
main silent even if we carry out his orders? He's a crook. 

Hampton (chuckling). Pot calling the kettle black, eh? 
(Rising zvith a yawn.) Leave Fisk to me. I know how to 
get around his curves. By the way, what did you do with 
your share of the profits of that coal deal ? I ain't seen you 
put up any skyscrapers here. 

Williams (moodily). I lost every dollar of it in Wall 
Street. 

Hampton (laughs roughly). Gee! The sharks caught a 
sucker ! 

Williams (desperately). That's not the worst of it, 
Hampton. I owe my broker $4,000 and he writes me that 
I have three days in which to make good. 

Hampton. Is that so? And if you don't pay? 

Williams. He threatens to bring all the facts to the at- 
tention of Miss Ames. 

Hampton. Which means that you will be looking for an- 
other job, even if the District Attorney isn't called into the 
case. 

Williams (resignedly). You may be right, Hampton. 

Hampton (slapping Williams on back). Cheer up, Wil- 
liams. I'll show you how to kill two birds with the same 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 15 

popgun. We'll get rid of Morgan and you'll get the money 
you need to square things with your broker. 

Williams {eagerly). How can that be done? 

Hampton. Get the Ames miners to stand for O'Grady 
and I'll pay you $4,000. 

Williams {relieved). Good! It's a bargain! 

Hampton. Meanwhile, I'll write to that broker and stand 
good for the money. 

Enter Morgan, C. D. He pauses at entrance when he 
sees the others and stands unobserved, then moves down C. 
slowly. 

Williams {taking letter from pocket). You'll find his 
address here. {Hands letter to Hampton.) 

Hampton {taking letter). Leave it to me. If we can 
get the goods on Morgan as easily as I can square things 
with this broker, we'll have little to fear. {Sees Morgan.)- 
Well, see who's here! Morgan! {To Morgan.) How do, 
Morgan ? 

Williams {starts, turns to table R. C. — aside). Was he 
eavesdropping, I wonder? 

Morgan {down L. — to Hampton). Quite well, thank 
you, Mr. Hampton. 

Hampton .{at C). That's good. What's this I heard the 
boys talking about at the City Hall this afternoon? 

• Morgan {affecting to be surprised). Are the boys really 
talking at the City Hall ? It's a wonder they wouldn't change 
their program occasionally and do a little work. 

Hampton. Why you talk as if the boys had no con- 
science — 

Morgan {interrupting). Professional politicians with 
consciences ! Good Lord ! The next thing we'll hear is that 
political bosses are surfeited with honesty. 

Hampton {reprovingly). They've got as much honesty 
as some lawyers I know. 

Morgan. Quite right. Dennis O'Grady, for instance. 

Hampton {snarlingly) . You think you're a live wire, 
don't you? {Goes to Morgan, L. C, threateningly) . See 



16 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

here, Morgan. You're out for the Congressional nomina- 
tion. Am I right? 

Morgan. For once you are, Hampton. 

Hampton. You don't think, little one, that you're ever 
going to get within a mile of the winning post? 

Morgan. Not with your aid, old chap. That's certain. 
But, nevertheless, I'll win! 

Hampton (in disgust). You make me sick! 

Morgan. You'll be far more ill after I've got through 
with you, Bill. 

Hampton. Well, you won't have to pay the doctor. 

Morgan (sternly). Listen to me, Hampton. Your time 
as a political boss in this section is growing short, and 
within a few weeks you'll be thrown upon the political 
scrap-pile, where you should have gone long ago. 

Hampton (sneeringly): Gee! Ain't you cute! 

Morgan. The better element of the party is going to get 
rid of tricksters who, like you, fatten of! the spoils of their 
bought and paid for political victories. 

Hampton (admiringly). You ought to go on the stump. 

Morgan. When I do, you and your kind will be cruci- 
fied on the cross of public opinion. The day is not far dis- 
tant when you will be cringing at my feet — you and your 
miserable crew! (Turns up L.) 

Hampton (looking at Morgan savagely). I'll show you 
a trick or two before I'm through with you in the conven- 
tion. 

Morgan (laughingly, up L.). That's what we look for in 
anything you have a hand, Hampton — tricks. Be it so. We 
will meet trick with trick and I predict that we will score 
the winning trick in the end. 

Hampton. Keep right on bucking against a stone wall, 
little one. I'll do the dictating in the end. 

Morgan. Don't be too sure of that, Hampton. You are 
up against aroused public opinion and you can't win. 

Hampton. Public opinion be jiggered! (To Williams.) 
Come along, Williams. We've got to attend that committee 
meeting. 

Williams. I'm ready. (Goes to C. D.) 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 17 

Hampton {following Williams to C. D.). Look out for 
me, Morgan. I'll crush you like I would a fly. 

Morgan (laughingly). See to it, Hampton, your fly 
doesn't turn out to be a hornet. (Exeunt Hampton and 
Williams, C. D. Morgan goes to C. D. and looks off — 
alone.) Was I wrong in defying this man? How can I 
hope to succeed without his help? (Comes down C.) He 
must be overthrown or the country is lost! What were he 
and Williams whispering about when I entered just now? 
There is some mystery about this man Williams, for he 
dares not look me in the eye. (Looks about.) Miss Holmes 
is late. Strange how my blood tingles when I think of her. 
Glorious woman ! I've known her scarcely two months, 
and yet her image abides with me every moment and en- 
grosses every thought. (Goes to L. U. E. and looks off.) 
She must be in the reception room. (Exit L. U. E.) 

Enter Lucy, C. D. She comes down C. 
Lucy (alone). I wonder if Harry got that raise of salary 
he was going to demand of Williams ? If he hasn't I'll never 
speak to him again! 

Enter Felton, C. D. He stands and looks off. 

Lucy (sees Felton — to Felton, severely). Harry Fel- 
ton! 

Felton (comes - dozvn to Lucy, C). Hello, Lucy! Where 
have you been all evening? 

Lucy. Searching for Miss Holmes. Have you seen her? 

Felton. Not since she left the office this afternoon. 

Lucy. Mrs. Jenkins told me she saw her in the bank 
talking with Mr. Shaw, the president. What can she want 
in the bank, I wonder? 

Felton. Went there to borrow a million or two. 

Lucy (sitting on sofa, L. C, Felton sitting beside her). 
Stop your dreaming, Harry.. What did Mr. Williams say? 

Felton. He said he'd listen to me tomorrow. 

Lucy (disappointed). Then you did not get an increase 
of salary? 

Felton (putting arms about Lucy). Never mind, dear. 



18 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

We'll come to terms sometime. My fifteen and your twelve 
make twenty-seven, eh? 

Lucy. Twenty-seven what? 

Felton. Plunks. 

Lucy (surprised) . What are you talking about, Harry? 

Felton. Your salary and mine. They should be enough 
to keep one family fairly comfortable, it strikes me. 

Lucy. Whose family? 

Felton (dreamily). Ours. 

Lucy. You're daffy. What do you mean by this jab- 
bering ? 

Felton (embracing her). That you and I were created 
for each other, Lucy. 

Enter Jordan, C. D. He comes down C. 

Felton. By pooling our issues we'll be able to furnish 
up a swell bungalow somewhere. Are you on ? 

Lucy (aside). He's going to propose at last! 

Felton. Now, Lucy, listen with all your ears. I want 
you to be my — (hesitates — aside). Doggone it! I'm tongue- 
tied again ! 

Lucy (encouragingly). Keep right on, Harry. 

Felton (kissing her). Surest thing you know. I want 
you to be my — 

Jordan (at C, interrupting). Why, Mr. Felton, and in 
this public place, too. I am horrified and amazed! 

Felton (breaking away from Lucy, he getting at one 
end of sofa, she at the other — aside). Good Lord! It's the 
pastor, Dr. Jordan! He's got the butting-in habit, too. 

Lucy (severely, to Felton). Don't dare to speak to me 
again, Harry Felton! I hate you! 

Jordan (piously). That is unseemly^ language, Miss 
Matthews. One must cultivate the virtues, dear child, not 
encourage the vices. Of all sins of frail humanity, hatred 
is the deadliest. 

Felton. That is what I've always told her, Dr. Jordan, 
but she wouldn't believe me. 

Jordan. She will learn as she grows older. But have 
either of you seen Mr. Morgan this evening? 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 19 

Felton. We have not, Dr. Jordan. What's up? 
Jordan. I wish to consult with him about a providential 
thing that happened today. 

Lucy (eagerly). Oh, tell us about it, Dr. Jordan. 

Enter Mrs. Jones, CD. As she comes down C, Wil- 
liams and Farrell are seen at C D. They stand and listen, 
the others not observing them. Jordan stands C, Lucy sits 
on sofa, L. C, Felton stands behind x sof a near Lucy. 

Jordan (thankfully) . Some benevolent person, unques- 
tionably inspired by the Lord, has sent me $5,000 for a par- 
sonage. It is most gratifying. (Williams and Farrell 
shozv great interest and whisper to each other.) 

Felton. Why, you could build a skyscraper with that 
amount. No plums like that drop our way, do they, Lucy? 

Lucy. If any such plum fell upon your soft little head, 
Harry, it would squash it, I fear. 

Mrs. Jones (at table R. C — to Jordan). Delightful 
news, Dr. Jordan. Who is the donor? 

Jordan. That is the surprising thing about this handsome 
gift, Mrs. Jones. There was no name. 

Mrs. Jones (surprised). No name? 

Jordan. I received an express package containing the 
money in crisp new bills with a typewritten note expressing 
the hope of the sender that the money might be employed in 
the erection of a parsonage. 

Mrs. Jones. When did you receive the money? 

Jordan. An hour ago ; too late, unfortunately, to deposit 
in bank. But it is locked safely in my study desk. (Wil- 
liams and Farrell, at C. D. } look at each other signifi- 
cantly, then exit.) 

Felton (surprised). Five thousand dollars in a study 
desk! Aren't you afraid of robbers? 

Jordan. Robbers visit our parsonage ! The supposition is 
absurd. Besides, none except you know that I am in posses- 
sion of the money. 

Mrs. Jones. I wonder who this unusual benefactor may 
be? We must make an effort to find him. 



20 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Jordan. You received $1,000 in a similar manner for the 
Ladies' Aid Society last week, didn't you, Mrs. Jones? 

Mrs. Jones. Yes. Then there is Mrs. Jackson, whose 
husband was killed in the Ames colliery three months ago, 
leaving her penniless with a troop of children. Someone 
sent her $500, together with groceries and clothing sufficient 
to last her family for a year. 

Jordan (piously). Some good creature's heart has been 
touched by God. Only this afternoon I was informed that 
Mr. Simpson, the superintendent of the Young Men's Chris- 
tian Association, had been notified that a fund of $20,000 
would be at his disposal within two weeks to build a recre- 
ation center for the families of the miners. 

Lucy (rising and going with Felton upstage). Why, 
here comes Miss Holmes. 

Enter Margaret, C. D. She comes down C, smiling 
genially. Lucy and Felton stand R. C. watching her. 
Jordan stands L. C 3 Mrs. Jones near table R. C. 

Margaret (to Jordan). Permit me to congratulate you, 
Dr. Jordan, upon your good fortune, of which Mrs. Jordan 
informed me a few moments ago. 

Jordan (piously). I wish it were permitted me to ex- 
press my thanks to this donor in- person. 

Margaret. Anonymous donors solicit no thanks, Dr. 
Jordan. Have you decided upon a plan for the parsonage? 

Jordan (sighingly). Oh, that must wait awhile, I fear. 

Margaret (shows interest). Why must it wait, pray? 

Jordan. The church edifice is sadly in need of a steeple, 
and I think the completion of the church is of far greater 
importance than the erection of a parsonage at this time. 

Margaret (laughingly) . There speaks the unselfish min- 
ister of the gospel. You amaze me, Dr. Jordan. A church 
is a house of God, even though it has no spire. It is your 
Christian duty to think of Mrs. Jordan and her family of — 
how many children are there, Dr. Jordan? 

Jordan (sighingly) . The Lord has blessed us with nine 
tots, seven girls and two boys. 

Felton (aside — to Lucy). A regular children's asylum. 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 21 

Enter Morgan, L. U. E. He stands and watches. 

Lucy (placing hand upon Felton's mouth). For shame, 
Harry! (They confer.) 

Margaret (at C). Think of the requirements of your 
charming family, Dr. Jordan. Dismiss all thoughts of the 
spire and think only of a commodious parsonage. When 
you get ready to build, let me know and I shall be delighted 
to assist you with a few ideas for the architect, for I do so 
love to meddle with such things. 

Jordan. You have convinced me of the justness of your 
reasoning, Miss Holmes. The parsonage shall be erected, 
even" though the church board demands the steeple. 

Morgan (coming down L. — to Jordan). The church 
board will not object, Dr. Jordan. I'll vouch for that. 

Margaret. See, Mr. Morgan champions my cause. (To 
Morgan.) Thank you, Mr. Morgan. 

Jordan (to Morgan). Will you take charge of the legal 
forms of the donation and its disbursement, Mr. Morgan? 

Morgan. With pleasure, Dr. Jordan. 

Jordan. I shall call upon you tomorrow, Mr. Morgan. 
(Looks at watch.) It is past eight o'clock. I must be off to 
the church. 

Mrs. Jones. There is a meeting of the Ladies Aid So- 
ciety tonight and I must be present. Good evening, Miss 
Holmes. 

Margaret. Good evening, Mrs. Jones. (Exeunt Jordan 
and Mrs. Jones, CD.) 

Morgan (looking at Margaret, R. C, then at Lucy and 
Felton conferring up L. He goes to them — to Felton). 
The weather is admirable for a promenade, children. 

Felton. I hate promenades. 

Lucy. Let's go to the movies, Harry. 

Morgan. Excellent suggestion. (Watching Margaret.) 

Felton (laughingly). I see how the land lies. All right; 
the movies for us. Come along, Lucy. (Exeunt Felton 
and Lucy, C. D., laughingly.) 

Morgan (aside, as he comes down L.). I must confide in 



22 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

her and accept her counsel. . {To Margaret.) Miss Holmes, 
may I occupy a moment of your time? 

Margaret {sitting R. at table, R. C). I shall be delighted, 
Mr. Morgan. Pray be seated. 

Morgan {sitting L. at table, R. C). Doubtless you have 
heard that I today announced my candidacy for the nomi- 
nation for Congress from this district? 

Margaret {interested). No, I had not heard of it. Nev- 
ertheless, I offer you my congratulations. 

Morgan {laughingly). There is little to congratulate me 
about, Miss Holmes. 

Margaret. Why, is not a Republican nomination in this 
district equivalent to election, Mr. Morgan? 

Morgan. Yes. 

Margaret {triumphantly). Then that means that you 
will go to Congress. 

Morgan. Not so fast, Miss Holmes. I have not yet cap- 
tured the nomination. 

Margaret. Oh, but that should be an easy matter for 
so well known a man as yourself. 

Morgan. Not so easy as you may think, especially when 
I am opposed by so powerful a man as Hampton, the polit- 
ical boss of this district. 

Margaret {sighingly). Oh, I hadn't thought of that. 
Why should Mr. Hampton oppose your nomination? 

Morgan. Because I am an honest man who does not 
enter politics for pecuniary gain. 

Margaret {thoughtfully) . I see. And Mr. Hampton — 

Morgan. Is of the usual standard of political bosses, self- 
serving, corrupt and playing the game for all he can make 
out of it. 

Margaret {laughingly) . I see that I have much to learn 
about politics, Mr. Morgan. . Whom does Mr. Hampton 
support for the nomination? 

Morgan. An unscrupulous lawyer named O'Grady, who 
long since should have been disbarred for dishonest acts 
committed by him both as attorney and Representative in 
the State Legislature. 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 23 

Margaret (shocked). Don't the voters of this district 
know the character of the man? Why don't they act? 

Morgan. Because they are bartered and sold like sheep 
by Hampton, who holds the reins of power. 

Margaret. Poor men ! From whom does Mr. Hampton 
buy these votes in this district? 

Morgan. From Mr. Williams, the superintendent of the 
Ames Mining Company. 

Margaret (starts) . Mr. Williams ! How can he do such 
a thing? 

Morgan. Because for considerations of value offered by 
Hampton, Williams orders the three thousand miners in 
the employ of the Ames Company to vote for such candi- 
dates for office as he may name. 

Margaret (after a pause). I see ft all now. But suppose 
the miners were to refuse? 

Morgan. Then he would contrive to make their lot so 
unpleasant that the men would be glad to agree to anything 
rather than that they should suffer personally. 

Margaret (indignantly). This is shameful! The men 
should be permitted to vote as they like without interfer- 
ence. None should be permitted to dictate to them. It is 
against reason and justice ! 

Morgan. Bravo ! Our views in this regard are identical, 
Miss Holmes. You are a friend of Miss Ames, I'm told? 

Margaret (starts). Yes, we are quite friendly, Mr. Mor- 
gan. But why do you refer to Miss Ames? 

Morgan. Because I should like you to make a personal 
appeal to her in my behalf. 

Margaret. I shall be delighted to do so. But what can 
she do? 

Morgan. She can be a most powerful auxiliary in this 
struggle for political reform in which. I am engaged. If I 
could speak to her and reveal the truth regarding conditions 
in which she is personally interested, as owner of this vast 
property and the employer of thousands of men, women 
and children, this little city would be physically and morally 
transformed. 



24 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Margaret {thoughtfully). Do you think Miss Ames 
could be induced to assist in this great work ? 

Morgan. With your help there is no doubt of it. Miss 
Holmes. Will you help me? 

Margaret {laughingly). I'm afraid you over-estimate 
the value of my poor services, Mr. Morgan. I am only an 
insignificant stenographer, a protege, in a sense, of Miss 
Ames, it is true, but still subject to the same restrictions 
in my employment as the smallest child who works in the 
bunkers. 

Morgan. I request merely that you forward to Miss 
Ames a statement of facts that I will prepare. It will prove 
to her that her confidence in this man Williams is misplaced 
and that her interests would be best subserved were she to 
discharge him forthwith. 

Margaret {starts). I have seen things lately that have 
excited my suspicions, Mr. Morgan. {Rising and crossing 
to C.) Prepare your statement and I promise you it shall 
reach Miss Ames without loss of time. 

Morgan {rising and crossing to Margaret at C). Thank 
you, Miss Holmes. You and I shall win this battle and rout 
the hosts of the mighty. 

Margaret. You have roused my fighting blood, Mr. 
Morgan, and, like you, I believe we shall win. 

Morgan. I have known you scarcely two months, and — 

Margaret {interrupting laughingly). You have much to 
learn about me still, you mean? 

Morgan. Not that, precisely. It seems as if I had known 
you for years, not weeks. You are no ordinary woman, 
but seem far superior to the humble station you occupy. 

Margaret {merrily). You flatter me, Mr. Morgan. I'm 
just a plain little woman who is trying to do a little good 
in the world without making too great a splurge. Still, I 
will not forget the adage, from little acorns, big oaks grow. 

Morgan {taking her hand suddenly). Oaks do not flour- 
ish in this soil, Miss Holmes. Transplanted into another 
garden, perhaps, you may reach the proud summit allotted 
to high-minded women. 

Margaret {abashed). And that summit—? 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 25 

Morgan. Domesticity. 

Margaret {thoughtfully) . You mean — ? 

Morgan {drawing her to him). That I want you for my 
wife! 

Margaret {shows emotion). Oh, Mr. Morgan! 

Morgan {passionately). Dare I hope, Miss Holmes — 
Margaret? I have loved you from the day we first met — 
idolized you with a devotion that absorbs me wholly, with 
an affection whose divine fire consumes me ! 

Margaret {holding him off at arm's length). I must 
have time to think — 

Morgan {interrupting) . When you are out of my sight 
an aching void fills my heart, and when I think of you, hap- 
piness like balmy sunshine floods my soul. This is love — 
love for you, Margaret! Have you no answer for me? 
Have I offended you? 

Margaret {after a pause). No, no! 

Morgan {eagerly). Then I may hope? 

Margaret {softly). I cannot, dare not, answer you now, 
for I do not yet know my own heart. I do not reproach 
you for this avowal which does me great honor, but I beg 
that you consider fully what you say and do. 

Morgan {pleadingly). Margaret! 

Margaret. I am a poor, defenceless girl, without a sin- 
gle living relative, wholly self-dependent, and until this 
moment deemed myself without a friend in the world. 

Morgan. I shall be to you more than friend. 

Margaret {interrupts) . Let me finish. You know noth- 
ing of my past, and were I to accept your generous offer 
and you some day learn that you were deceived, you would 
loathe and despise me! 

Morgan. Impossible ! 

Margaret. Time will show, Mr. Morgan. I promise to 
answer you soon. 

Enter Williams and Hampton, C. D. They stand and 
watch Margaret and Morgan at C. 

Morgan {taking her hand). So be it. When I have won 



26 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

this hand, I shall be at once the happiest and most fortu- 
nate of men. 

Williams (angrily as he comes down C). What does 
this mean, Miss Holmes ? 

Morgan {drawing Margaret behind him at C. and fac- 
ing Williams). How dare you address Miss Holmes in 
that tone, sir? 

Williams (coldly). I have the right as her superior to 
protest when I observe her falling into a snare deliberately 
set for her. 

Morgan (astonished). Snare! 

Hampton (aside to Williams at L. C). Let loose on 
him good and strong. We've got to do him or he'll do us 
in the end. 

Williams (in whisper). Leave him to me. 

Margaret (aside to Morgan at R. C). Please do not 
quarrel with that man. 

Morgan. I shall not so degrade myself, Margaret. Please 
leave us now. I shall rejoin you in the reception room soon. 
(Leads her to L. U. E.) 

Margaret (at L. U. E.). No quarrelling, please. 

Morgan (laughingly). Have no fear on my account, 
Margaret. (Exit Margaret, L. U. E. Morgan goes down 
C. — to Williams.) You are a greater- scoundrel than I 
thought, Williams. 

Williams (in a rage). I'd advise you to have a civil 
tongue, Morgan. I won't submit tamely to insults. 

Hampton (sitting on sofa L. C). Williams' right about 
that, Morgan. You must get over this bad habit of tossing 
verbal bouquets at persons with thorns in 'em. 'Tain't nice, 
you know. 

Williams (at table R. C). I may be a scoundrel, Mor- 
gan, but at all events none can accuse me of theft. 

Morgan (amazed). Theft! 

Hampton (lighting a cigar). Tough word to throw at 
a candidate for the nomination for Congress from this dis- 
trict, ain't it, Morgan? 

Morgan. I see it all now! One of your political tricks, 
Hampton. 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 27 

Hampton (as he smokes). It is a little rough, Morgan, 
but when men buck against Williams and me, after being 
warned, they must take the consequences. 

Williams (exultingly). Yes, they must take the conse- 
quences. 

Morgan (coldly, at C). I don't know what game you 
both are playing, but let me warn you that if you connect 
my name with a single dishonorable transaction, I shall not 
be answerable for the consequences to you. 

Hampton (sneeringly) . Which means — ? 

Morgan. That you must answer to me! 

Enter Harrison, C. D. } followed by Jordan. Both come 
down C. leisurely. 

Hampton. Cut out the bunk, Morgan. We ain't made no 
charge against you — yet. Hello ! There's Harrison and the 
parson. Ask 'em, Morgan, what's up? 

Enter Margaret, L. U. E. She stands at entrance and 
listens unobserved. 

Morgan (aside). What does this mean? I must be on 
my guard. 

Williams (chuckling). Harrison will explain every- 
thing. 

Morgan (mystified). Everything! 

Hampton. Sure thing, Morgan. (To Harrison.) Let 
him have your prize package, Harrison. 

Morgan (to Harrison). What brings you here, Harri- 
son? 

Harrison (hesitatingly). Well, you see, Mr. Morgan, 
it's just this way. I hate to do it, but being a detective, and 
it being in the line of duty, I suppose I must. 

Morgan (amazed). Must what? My God! Can't you 
speak ? 

Hampton (disgustedly). Nix on the heroic stuff, Harri- 
son. Spit it out or git off the job. 

Harrison (to Morgan). Were you at Dr. Jordan's 
home tonight? 

Morgan. Yes, an hour or more ago. 

Williams (exultingly). See, he admits it!. 



28 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Hampton (as he puffs at cigar) . He couldn't deny it. 

Morgan. Why should I deny it ? I have been there often, 
as Dr. Jordan is in a position to testify. 

Jordan (clasping his hands despairingly). Yes, I can 
truthfully testify to that. 

Hampton. Sure thing. The parson is there with the 
goods. Go on with your fairy tale, Harrison. 

Harrison (to Morgan). Well, you doubtless heard that 
Dr. Jordan received a package containing $5,000 this after- 
noon? 

Morgan (perplexed). No, I had not heard of it. I con- 
gratulate him. But what has all this to do with me? 

Harrison. How long were you in the pastor's study to- 
night ? 

Morgan. Scarcely three minutes. 

Hampton (triumphantly) . Time enough for any job of 
the kind. 

Harrison (to Morgan). What did you do while there? 

Morgan (looking from one to the other greatly per- 
plexed). Why, it is perfectly simple. I had some business 
to transact with Dr. Jordan before coming here and I- called 
at the parsonage. Mrs. Jordan invited me into the study 
while she inquired at the Jones' next door about her hus- 
band, it being her belief that he had gone there without 
letting her know. 

Harrison. Keep right on, Mr. Morgan. 

Morgan. She returned in a few moments and informed 
me that Dr. Jordan must have gone down town and begged 
me to wait. As there was no prospect that Dr. Jordan 
would return immediately, I left the house and came here. 

Hampton (insolently). Is that all, Morgan? 

Morgan (angrily). I decline to answer any questions 
from you, sir. Explain this mystery, Harrison. 

Harrison. Let Dr. Jordan speak. 

Jordan (at L. C. despairingly) . I have been robbed!! 

Morgan (amazed). Robbed! (Margaret, at L. U. E., 
shows agitation. She moves as if to enter, but reconsiders 
and stands at entrance, listening without being seen.) 

Hampton, Fine thing for this uplift town when the 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 29 

news goes abroad that Dr. Jordan of the M. E. Church has 
been robbed. 

Jordan (sobbingly). It is shameful! When I returned 
home a few minutes since, I made the discovery that my 
desk had been forced open with some sharp instrument and 
the wallet containing my money, $5,000 in bills of large 
denomination, carried away by some person or persons 
unknown. {Wrings his hands in agony.) 

Hampton (sympathetically) . Ain't it a downright shame! 

Morgan (horrified) . At last, I see! I am suspected of 
this theft! Am I right? Speak! 

Harrison (nervously). Not yet, Mr. Morgan. We're 
just trying to get at all the facts. 

Morgan (in despair). My God! That I should have 
lived to see this fatal day ! 

Hampton (consolingly). It's a little tough on a reform 
candidate seeking a congressional nomination ; ain't it, Mor- 
gan? 

Morgan (in a rage). You dog! (He springs threaten- 
ingly at Hampton, who rises from sofa and retreats to L. 
C. as Harrison grasps Morgan.) 

Hampton (pompously). That's right, Harrison. Don't 
let him get too close, for I might forget myself and hurt 
him. (To Morgan, conciliatingly.) Be good, Morgan, and 
face the music. (Margaret stands undecided at L. U. E. 
for a moment, showing great agitation, then exits.) 

Morgan (at C). This is a foul conspiracy to wreck my 
reputation, but it shall not succeed ! 

Hampton (laughing coarsely). Gee! They all say that 
when they're caught with the goods. 

Jordan (to Morgan). Believe me, Mr. Morgan, I accuse 
no one, much less you. 

Hampton. Cut out the sympathy stuff. Let him tell us 
what he did while in your study. 

Morgan (indignantly). I decline to answer. 

Hampton. There's nothing to it, Harrison. Put the nip- 
pers on him. 

Harrison. Not so fast, Hampton. I know my duty. 



30 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Hampton {angrily). Then don't you play no favorites. 
Do your duty. 

Harrison {defiantly). I take my orders from the Chief, 
not you, even if you are boss in this section. 

Hampton {carelessly). All right, Harrison. I've got 
your number. 

Harrison {significantly) . And I'll get yours some of 
these days. (To Morgan.) Far be it from me to make any 
charge against you, Mr. Morgan, because you've done me 
many a good turn, and I just can't stuff this thing down 
my craw without gagging. But won't you come to the City 
Hall with me and talk this matter over with the Chief ? 

Enter Margaret, L. U. E., carrying a handbag. She 
pauses at entrance and listens. 

Morgan. I shall not resist you in the performance of 
your sworn duty, Harrison, but I repeat that I am the vic- 
tim of a damnable conspiracy hatched by these men (point- 
ing to Williams and Hampton) to destroy my reputation. 
I shall accompany you. Come. 

Margaret (advancing to C). Stop! 

Morgan (surprised). Margaret! 

Hampton (crossing to Williams, R. C. — to Williams). 
What the devil is she going to hatch out now ? 

Williams (to Hampton). -Whatever it may be, we'll 
crush it. 

Margaret (to Harrison). It will be unnecessary for 
Mr. Morgan to go to the City Hall with you, Mr. Harrison. 

Hampton (to Harrison). Don't let a woman butt in on 
your affairs, Harrison. Take him away. 

Margaret (coldly). He shall not be taken away. (Opens 
handbag.) These men, Mr. Williams and Mr. Hampton, 
accuse Mr. Morgan of the theft of $5,000 from Dr. Jor- 
dan's study desk. Am I right? 

Harrison (perplexed). That sizes the situation about 
right, Miss Holmes. 

Margaret (taking bundle of bills from handbag). The 
charge is baseless, for here is the money! (All show ex- 
citement as Margaret holds money aloft. Hampton and 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 31 

Williams at R. C. look at each other in amazement Jor- 
dan looks in stupor at Margaret and goes to her at C. 
Harrison and Morgan stand L. C, zvatching Hampton.) 

Hampton (aside to Williams). Wouldn't that jar you? 

Williams (amazed). She's balked our game, but we'll 
get him yet ! 

Hampton (roughly to Margaret). How the devil did 
you get that money? 

Margaret (with an effort). I found it! 

All (surprised). Found it! 

Margaret (aside). God will forgive me for telling this 
falsehood, but there is no other way. (To others.) Yes, I 
found it in the street near the parsonage. Take it, Dr. 
Jordan. 

Jordan (taking the money and counting it feverishly) . 
It is all here, thank God! 

Hampton. That's pretty raw work. (To Margaret.) 
If you found this money, why didn't you report it to the 
police ? 

Margaret (after a pause). Because the opportunity did 
not present itself until now. Are you satisfied, gentlemen, 
of Mr. Morgan's innocence of this odious charge? 

Jordan (putting money in his pocket). I never believed 
it for a moment. 

Harrison. Nor I, Miss Holmes. I'm off. Good night ! 
(Goes to C. D.) 

Williams (angrily). This doesn't satisfy me. (To Mar- 
garet.) Miss Ames shall hear of this, young woman. 

Margaret (laughingly). She shall, Mr. Williams, and 
when she does, let the guilty tremble. 

Morgan (taking her hand). Margaret, you have saved 
my honor ! 

Margaret. No, it was Providence ! ( Morgan and Mar- 
garet stand C. hand in hand, a look of triump upon her 
face as she glares defiantly at Williams and Hampton, 
who stand with angry looks at R. C. Harrison and Jordan 
stand near C. D., watching others until — ) 

Curtain. 



32 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 



Act II. 



Scene: Office of the Ames Coal Mining-Company in 3. 
Practical door C. in F. opening upon wainscotted vestibule, 
all entering from R. Window to L. of C. D. with curtain. 
Practical doors L. U. E. and R. 2 E. Flat-top desk R. C. 
with revolving chair, and another desk with chair against 
wall at L. 2 E. Typewriter stand with machine upstage 
near desk, R. C. Letter press on table between C. D. and 
window L. C. Table below L. U. E, on which are several 
large account books. Clock on wall with hands at nine 
o'clock. Scene should be fitted up to resemble office interior 
of the better class. Scene is well illuminated, it being morn- 
ing. Hat rack to L. of C. D. See scene plot for stage set- 
ting. 

At rise enter Lucy at C. D., coming from R. 

Lucy {glancing at clock as she comes down R.). Good 
gracious ! After nine o'clock and I'm the first on the job. 
(Takes off hat and hangs it on rack near CD.) I wonder 
what the big folk of the company would say if they knew 
how Williams was. running things here? (Shrill whistle 
heard off stage.) The postman. All right! (She runs off 
C. D. and re-enters almost immediately, holding several 
letters in her hand.) Hello ! Here's a letter from New York 
marked "Important." (Studies writing.) Where have I 
seen handwriting like that before? It looks like Miss 
Holmes'. Pshaw ! This letter is from Miss Ames all 
right. (Puts letters on desk R. C.) There's something about 
Miss Holmes I can't make out. She isn't an old hand at the 
stenography game, that's a cinch! (Sighs.) I wish I had 
a millionaire friend like Miss Ames. (Goes to desk L. C. 
and tidies it up.) 

. Enter Felton, C. D. He is in haste and looks at clock 
anxiously as he takes off hat, throws it onto rack and goes 
to books at table near L. U. E. 

Felton (to Lucy). Hello, Lucy! Beat me to it, I see. 

Lucy. It doesn't take much ingenuity to do that. You 
keep dreadfully late hours, I fear. 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 33 

Felton. That's rich. If you hadn't made me stop for 
that soda after we left the movies last night, I wouldn't 
have been a half hour late this morning. 

Lucy (indignantly). Just like you men! You made me 
stop yourself. I like your impudence. (Pouts.) 

Felton (cheerfully). All right, if you say so, Lucy. That 
last picture we saw gave me the nightmare. You know what 
one I mean — the one where that convict, after saving the 
other fellow's sweetheart, is caught and crushed in a col- 
lision of two trains. 

Lucy (shuddering). It was terrible! 

Felton. I had the deuce of a time to get to sleep, think- 
ing of that picture, so that J overslept myself. (Tossing 
books around on table L. U. E.) Gee! I wish I was rich. 

Lucy. So do I. 

Felton. It's twelve per for me here until Williams 
croaks, I fancy. 

Lucy. Until Williams croaks? What do you mean? 

Felton. I mean there will be no advancement for me 
here until Williams passes into the land of shades and 
takes up his abode down there. (Points downward). That's 
where he will go, or I have another guess coming. 

Lucy. What makes you think so? 

Felton. Because he keeps devilish bad company. 

Lucy (curiously). What do you mean? Can't* you see 
I'm dying to know ? 

Felton. You wouldn't be the girl I take you for, if you 
weren't. (Goes to her at desk L. C. and whispers.) Who do 
you think I saw him with this morning? 

Lucy (despairingly) . Oh, what a man! Who was it? 

Felton. Jimmy Farrell ! 

Lucy (surprised). Jimmy Farrell! That means there's 
something crooked afoot. 

Felton. I'll not vouch for that, but it's a suspicious cir- 
cumstance. Jimmy is an all round thug who, just got out 
of the penitentiary where he served a term for burglary. 
He and Williams were as chummy as two bugs in a rug. 

Lucy. Well, what does that prove? 



34 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Felton {working at books). That birds of a feather 
• flock together, you know. 

Lucy {horrified). Why, Harry Felton, if he heard you, 
he'd fire you. 

Felton {mysteriously). Oh, I don't know, Lucy. I've 
heard and seen a few things since Williams came here two 
years ago, and believe me, if the Ames people knew what 
I've got in my nut here {places hand on forehead) they'd 
be wiser about Williams than they are today. 

Lucy. By the way, did you hear about the robbery at Dr. 
Jordan's house last night? 

Felton. Sure thing. That's ancient history. They tried 
to put the job onto Mr. Morgan, but Miss Holmes was 
Johnny on the spot with $5,000 and blocked the scheme 
hatched by Hampton and Williams. 

Lucy {astounded). Where in the world did Miss Holmes 
get that $5,000? 

Felton. She says she found it, and I guess it must be 
so, for how could she have had so much money in her pos- 
session otherwise? Stenographers with fat bank accounts 
like that are rare in these parts. 

Lucy {sighs). I guess you're right, Harry. I wish I had 
$5,000. 

Felton {sitting on edge of desk L. C). And you'll have 
it some day. Let's have a little confidential talk. 

Lucy {deprecatingly). Run away, little one. Your con- 
fidential talks always end in smoke. Besides, it's time for 
Williams to bob in. 

Felton. Butt in, you mean. Somebody always does just 
when we get to the critical point. 

Enter Farrell, C. D. He stands and looks off R. for a 
moment and then comes down C. 

Lucy. Some day you will get a move on you and say 
what you have to say. 

Felton {taking her hand). Til say it now. I'd like that 
hand, Lucy, and I generally get what I like. 

Lucy {laughingly) . You really are going to say it this 
time? Oh, joy! 



' THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 35 

Felton {hugging her hand to him). You hit the bulls- 
eye that time, honey. Will you be my — {hesitates). 

Farrell {at C. — to Felton, dryly). Can the heart throb 
stuff, kiddo! 

Felton {starts — aside). Another butterin! {Turns and 
sees Farrell — to Farrell.) What do you want here, 
Jimmy Farrell ? 

Farrell {disdainfully). Cheese it, kid! I ain't in no 
court and youse ain't de District Attorney wot has got me 
on de grill! 

Felton. What do you want? 

Farrell {laughingly). Durn me, if I don't believe as 
youse is playing a game o' hearts wot ain't in yer contract 
wid de mining company. 

Felton {aside, as he goes to table up L). I'd like to 
smash his ugly face with an inkstand. 

Farrell {at desk, R. C). Say, when does the real cheese 
of dis dump git here? It's Williams I want — see? 

Felton. You left him ten minutes ago and you ought to 
know where he is. 

Farrell {starts). Oh, so youse been pipin' me off, eh? 
If youse tries dat on me, I'll cut yer heart out, see? 

Felton {laughingly). You'll find me on the job when- 
ever you get ready to "begin your dissecting room stunts, and 
I'll promise you, you won't have a picnic either. 

Farrell {astonished). Huh? Youse talks big for a ban- 

Enter Williams, C. D. hastily. 

Williams {aside to Farrell). Why did you come here? 
I warned you not to do so. 

Farrell. Sure thing, old pal, but I meets Harrison just 
around de corner where I saw youse and he begins to pump 
me about dat job at de parsonage last night — 

Williams {alarmed). Not so loud! Did he threaten 
you? 

Farrell. Not exactly threaten, but he hinted damned 
strong dat I better get out dis burg on de next train. Dat 
will be in twenty minutes and I'm going to make my get- 
away. I want my share of de swag — 



36 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Williams (interrupting). Silence! 

Felton (aside, at table up L). What the deuce are they 
whispering about there ? (He watches them furtively as he 
works.) 

Williams (rummaging about desk, R. C). I will let 
you have three hundred now, and one thousand within ten 
days. 

Farrell (snarling angrily). T'ree hundred! And I gave 
youse five t'ousand! Don't play me for a sucker, 'cause it 
don't go, see? You played me dirt once before, and I ain't 
never forgotten it neither. It was in Sing Sing — 

Williams (alarmed). Don't mention that place here! 
Take that three hundred or I'll put Harrison on your track 
for fair! 

Farrell (taking money menacingly). Giving me de 
double cross, eh ? All right, boss. Some day we will square 
matters on de level. Hereafter, youse kin git somebody else 
to do your porch climbing, see? 

Williams (sitting in chair at desk, R. C). Send me your 
address when you get to New York. 

Farrell. Surest thing youse knows, Williams. (Aside, 
as he turns up C.) I don't know what keeps me from knifing 
him now! I'll make my getaway first and t'ink it over. 
(Exit C. D., after casting a look filled with menace at 
Williams.) 

Felton (aside, as he works). Why did he slip money to 
Farrell? This will be worth inquiring into. 

Williams (at desk, R. C). Felton! 

Felton (crossing to Williams). Did you call, sir? 

Williams (angrily). Did I call? (Loudly.) No, I whis- 
pered! Where is Miss Holmes? 

Felton. I don't know, sir. She hasn't made me her con- 
fidant. 

Williams (with show of temper). Here it is half past 
nine o'clock and Miss Holmes not here ! This sort of thing 
must stop, or I'll know the reason why. 

Enter Margaret, C. D. She takes off her hat leisurely 
and places it on rack. 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 37 

Felton (to Williams). Here is Miss Holmes now. 
(Goes to table up L.) 

Williams (aside). Where did she get that money she 
gave Jordan last night ? There's a mystery here, which must 
be solved at any cost. (Works savagely at his desk.) 

Margaret (coming down L. to Lucy). Good morning, 
Lucy. 

Lucy (whispers to Margaret). Look out for the bull- 
dog. He's in an awful temper this morning. 

Margaret (laughingly). I love to tame bulldogs, Lucy. 
(Goes to typewriter desk, R: C. — to Williams.) Good 
morning, Mr. Williams, I beg you will excuse me for being 
late this morning? 

Williams (sternly). It is a reprehensible habit you must 
endeavor to correct, Miss Holmes. (Calls.) Felton! 

Felton (running to Williams at desk, R. C.). Yes, sir. 

Williams (to Felton). Go to the machine shop and 
inform Jackson that the miners are complaining that the 
hoisting apparatus is in a dangerous condition. 

Felton. Yes, sir. 

Williams. And tell him also, that he may look for 
another job at the end of the week. 

Margaret (protestingly) . Why, Mr. Williams, his wife 
was taken to the hospital last week, suffering from cancer. 
What a dreadful shock this will be to her. Please counter- 
mand that order. 

Williams (coldly). I'll trouble you to keep your sug- 
gestions to yourself, Miss Holmes. I'll run this department 
to suit myself. (To Felton.) Deliver my message, Felton. 

Felton (going to C. D., followed by Margaret). Yes, 
sir. 

Margaret (whispers to Felton). Not a word to Jack- 
son about the discharge! Mind that, Harry! 

Felton. Mum's the word! (Exit C. D.) 

Williams (calls). Miss Matthews! 

Lucy (starts). Good Lord! That's his firing voice! 
(Rises and goes to R. C. — to Williams.) Did you call, sir? 

Williams (imitating). No, I merely chanted your name! 
(After pause.) See here, Miss Matthews, it is a matter of 



38 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

common report that you and Harry Felton are rather too 
thick together. 

Lucy (defiantly). Well, that is our business, not yours! 

Williams. Broadly speaking, that is undeniable, but 
when this companionship affects your duties as an employe 
of the Ames Mining Company, then I am obliged to call 
you both to a halt. 

Lucy (tearfully) . You have no right to talk that way to 
me! 

Margaret (putting arm about Lucy). Don't cry, Lucy. 
The incident is too trivial to shed tears over it. 

Lucy (amid sobs). He's always nagging at me and some 
day I'll tell Harry. Then what he won't do to Williams will 
be a-plenty! 

Williams (turning impatiently). Stop your sniffling! 
(To Margaret.) Miss Holmes, return to your duty! It's 
high time you were learning your place in this office, even 
though you are a protege of Miss Ames. 

Margaret (indignantly). Sir! How dare you speak to 
me like this? 

Williams (insolently). More heroics! It's positively 
tiresome. Let me tell you that Miss Ames' friendship won't 
save you from dismissal unless you mend your manners. 

Margaret. Your language and tone are offensive, Mr. 
Williams. I shall take pleasure in reporting you to Miss 
Ames. 

Williams (insolently). Bah! I'll tell her about that in- 
cident last night and then see what she will think of you. 
Where did you get that' money? 

Margaret (going to typewriter desk). I refuse to an- 
swer any questions put by you. 

Williams (chuckling) . Won't talk, eh? Well, we'll see. 
(To Lucy.) Miss Matthews! Will you kindly go to the 
shipping room and see that those circulars to the trade are 
forwarded without delay? 

Lucy (going to L. U. E.). I wish you'd choke! (Exit 
L. U. E.) 

Williams (going to Margaret at R. C. — softly). Miss 
Holmes, may I have a word with you ? 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 39 

Margaret {coldly). If it pertains to the business of this 
office, yes. 

Williams. And if it should pertain to private matters? 

Margaret. I should refuse, sir. 

Williams {insinuatingly). It is evident, you dislike me, 
Miss Holmes. You prefer another, then? 

Margaret • {protestingly). I have told you, Mr. Wil- 
liams, that I refuse to discuss with you any matter that does 
not strictly have connection with my duties as an employe 
of this company. 

Williams {chuckling). You evidently love the man 
whom you saved by your keen wit — and your mysterious 
bank roll last night. 

Margaret {rising and facing him). You are rapidly 
proving to me that you are a scoundrel ! By what right do 
you speak to me like this? 

Williams {taking her hand suddenly). By the right of 
a man who loves you ! 

Margaret {struggling to free herself). Now you stoop 
to insult! {She springs from him and stands C, showing 
excitement.) I shall appeal to Miss Ames to discharge you. 

Williams {threateningly). Make your complaint and 
we will see who wins. 

Margaret. I'm quite sure I shall win, Mr. Williams. 

Williams. Not after I have given Miss Ames a com- 
plete account of your conduct last night. 

Margaret. She will know how to judge my conduct. . 

Williams {insolently). Come, where did you get that 
money? You said you found it. You lied, didn't you? 

Margaret {horrified). Monster! 

Williams. You didn't expect me to swallow that yarn, 
did you? Come, don't be afraid to confide in me. Tell me 
your secret. Where is your bank account, eh? Just think 
of it! Stenographers trotting around in places like this 
with handbags stuffed with bills and producing them just 
in time to save their honeyboys from arrest! 

Margaret {coldly). I ask you to swallow nothing, Mr. 
Williams. You sought to ruin a worthy man whose political 
aspirations you were not in sympathy with, and the weapon 



40 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

you employed was the basest trickery. You knew he was 
innocent when you made the charge, and your crime is 
the blacker on that account! 

Williams (laughingly). Quite a moralizer yourself, 
eh, Miss Holmes? 

Margaret. I knew you and Mr. Hampton had entered 
into a combination to defeat Mr. Morgan and name D'Grady 
as the Congressional nominee, and that you are using your 
power as superintendent of the Ames Mining Company to 
that end. 

Williams (starts). How wonderfully well informed you 
are ! But that doesn't explain where you found that $5,000 
at the crucial hour and thereby saved Morgan from arrest. 

Margaret (laughingly). I found the money as I said. 
That is sufficient, for my discovery balked your miserable 
game. 

Williams. Do you know that when a stenographer, even 
though she be a friend of Miss Ames, can produce so much 
money at will, there are many who place a harmful inter- 
pretation upon that course? 

Margaret (goes to rack and puts on her hat). I decline 
to discuss this matter with you further. 

Williams (follows her). Where are you going, Miss 
Holmes ? 

Margaret (turns down R.). To find someone who will 
protect me from you. 

Enter Morgan, C. D. He stands and watches others un- 
observed. 

Williams (taking her hand). You shall not leave this 
place until I give you leave! 

Margaret (angrily). How dare you touch me? 

Williams (passionately) . Because I love you! 

Margaret (struggling) . I hate you! 

Williams (drawing her to him). I'll teach you to love 
me ! I have tamed rebellious women like you before. Come, 
a kiss ! 

Margaret (struggling). Help! 

Morgan (stepping between them at C). You whelp! 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 41 

{He knocks Williams down with blow of his fist and 
stands over him threateningly — to Margaret.) He shall 
annoy you no more, Margaret. 
* Margaret {fervently). Thank you, Mr. Morgan. 

Morgan {to Williams). Get up, you hound! 

Williams {rising and wiping his face with handker- 
chief) . You shall pay dearly for that blow ! 

Morgan {coolly). I don't know what prevents me from 
killing you like the beast you are ! 

Williams {to Margaret). Consider yourself discharged, 
Miss Holmes. 

Margaret {at L. C, aside). This man will force me to 
betray myself. I must be patient — patient. {Turns to 
Williams, humbly.) Your word is final here, Mr. Wil- 
liams, but I assure you Miss Ames shall soon know the 
real character of the man in whom she places so much 
confidence. 

Williams {going to C. D.). Remove your things at 
once, for I shall give orders not to permit you to enter this 
place again! {Exit CD.) 

Morgan {to Margaret). I'm so sorry this has hap- 
pened, Miss Holmes. 

Margaret {laughingly). Sorry? Why so? 

Morgan. Because you have lost your position. 

Margaret. Don't let that worry you. I have some in- 
fluence with Miss Ames and I do not doubt that when she 
learns the truth, as she will, I shall be reinstated. 

Morgan {doubtingly) . I hope so, indeed, but these 
wealthy women are so capricious at times. They are so 
wholly occupied with their fads that they can afford to 
give little attention to deserving women like you. 

Margaret {soberly). But you don't know Miss Ames 
as intimately as I do. She and I are chums in every sense 
of the word. We have lived together, dined together, slept 
together, read the same books, discussed the same topics 
from the same standpoint, so that her thoughts, her ideals, 
her ambitions and mine are identical! I assure you that 
my word will have greater weight with Miss Ames than 
anything this base creature can say in derogation of me! 



42 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Morgan. But in the event of your reinstatement, this 
man will make your life miserable. 

Margaret. Have no fear of that, Mr. Morgan. Miss 
Ames will know how to protect me. 

Morgan (after a pause). I have a plan! 

Margaret (surprised). A plan! 

Morgan. Why not enter my employ? I am in urgent 
need of a stenographer. Will you accept? 

Margaret (meditatively). I had not thought of this. 
What would Miss Ames think of me if I left her employ 
through this wretch who betrays her confidence? 

Morgan (impatiently). Hang Miss Ames! 

Margaret (protestingly). Why, Mr. Morgan! Miss 
Ames would be of little service to anybody if your sug- 
gestion were to be carried out. 

Morgan (humbly). Pardon me, Miss Holmes, but you 
are worth much to me in this crucial hour. You saved me 
from disgrace last night, now I beg you to aid me in my 
campaign. You can advance the interests of Miss Ames 
more by joining me than you possibly can do by remaining 
in a position which brings you into hourly contact with this 
dishonest man. 

Margaret (eagerly). Have you proofs of his dishonesty? 

Morgan (taking documents from pocket). Enough to 
hang him high as Haman.. He stole thousands of dollars 
from this company and at this moment he is in a dishonor- 
able deal with Hampton and his henchmen whereby, for a 
consideration, he will throw the votes of the Ames miners 
to O'Grady. 

Margaret. This is infamous! If I were to enter your 
employ, would we be in a position to defeat them? 

Morgan. Absolutely! We shall fight the devil with fire 
— we are bound to win! 

Margaret (eagerly). Your enthusiasm is contagious, 
Mr. Morgan! I am almost persuaded — (hesitates) . 

Morgan. Do you accept, Margaret? 

Margaret. With all my heart, Arthur! (Shows confu- 
sion.) Pardon me, Mr. Morgan. 

Morgan (exultingly). Henceforth, I am Arthur to you. 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 43 

Margaret (confused) . You are master. It is your right 
to command, my duty to obey. 

Morgan. You are the mistress, I your humble servant, 
Margaret. I must go to my office now. I shall expect you 
tomorrow ? 

Margaret. Tomorrow, without fail. 

Morgan (goes to C. D.). Together we will win! (Exit 
CD.) 

Margaret (goes to R. 2 E. — alone). Have I acted 
wisely? Yes, I feel it in my heart! At last I have found 
a man who is worthy of my love; a man of lofty ideals, 
purity of character, wholly disinterested, and — who loves 
me for myself alone! Am I deceiving him? (Emotion.) 
What will he think of me when he learns the truth? Will 
he despise me ? No, no ! Impossible ! He loves me and 
I adore him ! When I cast this mask aside, my heart shall 
guide both him and me! (Exit R. 2 E.) 
Enter Hampton, C D. 

Hampton (looking about as he comes down C). Here's 
a pretty howd'yedo! Not a soul in the shebang! Where's 
Williams? He's boozing too much. I'll have to put him 
next to himself, for if they get onto his curves, it's him 
to the boneyard. I can't afford to take any chances on 
this layout until after O'Grady's nomination is cinched. 
Enter 'Williams, C. D. 

Hampton (turns and sees Williams — to Williams). 
Hello, Williams ! Where's the bunch you keep around here ? 

Williams (in surly tone as he sits at desk, R. C). I'm 
routing them out one by one and getting in new assistants. 

Hampton (alarmed). Hey? What's that? 

Williams. I've fired Miss Holmes. 

Hampton (laughingly). Oh, you did, eh? You think 
you're a wise guy, don't you ? Well, I know a good many in 
your class, and they most all of 'em got their wisdom 
a-leaning over Jim Cassidy's bar and guzzling his booze. 

Williams (angrily). Don't talk foolish, Hampton. 

Hampton (disgustedly) . Don't try the indignation stuff 
with me, 'cause it don't go. I'll bet you've got four or five 



44 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

of Cassidy's highballs under your belt this blessed minute. 
See here, Williams. Find Miss Holmes and if necessary, get 
on your knees and hire her over again as fast as God'll 
let ye! 

Williams. Impossible. She was impertinent to me, and 
I was forced to discharge her to maintain my dignity. 

Hampton. Dignity be hanged ! She is the friend of Miss 
Ames and we can't afford to take no chances of getting 
Miss Ames to come here and make a personal investiga- 
tion. Look here, Williams ! We're working our last polit- 
ical job together and damme! I don't intend that you 
shall spoil my chances of winning this fight by doing some 
fool thing, at a time like this ! 

Williams. How can this spoil our chances of winning? 

Hampton {angrily). You mutt! Can't you see that this 
thing is going to draw Miss Ames' attention to you, and that 
if she should make up her mind to make an investigation 
here, there's going to be something for the District Attor- 
ney, the Grand Jury and Sheriff, to do? That means that 
I will be dragged down with you, and I won't stand for 
that! When we have nominated O'Grady, you may go 
to hell for all I care, but until then, I'll be boss of the job, 
damme ! 

Williams {soberly). There's some truth in what you 
say. I shall rescind that notice to quit {Writes.) Miss 
Holmes : — I regret my action of this morning and beg that 
you will forgive me and forget it. Please consider the inci- 
dent as closed. Yours sincerely, Charles Williams. {Plac- 
ing note in envelope.) That ought to fetch her 'round, all 
right. 

Hampton {grumpily). I hope so, but you never can tell 
about women of the Holmes brand. Strange ! Where have 
I seen her eyes? There's something durned familiar about 
her, but I can't make it out. By the way, how about them 
notices to the miners? 

Williams. They will be sent out tonight. 

Enter Margaret, R. 2 E. She stands at door and listens, 
unobserved. 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 45 

Hampton. Good ! We'd better be off to the City Hall and 
see the committee. Did you find out where Miss Holmes 
got that money? 

Williams. She insists that she found it as she claimed. 

Hampton (chuckling) . Of course, that's a bum steer. 
We might have believed it if Farrell had dropped his swag. 
Did you give him the money to fly the coop with? 

Williams. Yes, he is on his way to New York now. 

Hampton. I wish we were rid of Miss Holmes as easily, 
my son. She's going to have a great influence upon our 
careers. I feel it in my bones. 

Williams (laughingly). It's rheumatism that bothers 
you, Hampton. 

Hampton (disgustedly). Rheumatism be jiggered! I 
haint had rheumatism in forty years and I'm too tough to 
get it at my time of life now! Come along! (Exeunt 
Hampton and Williams, laughingly, CD.) 

Margaret (leaving her place of concealment at R. 2 E., 
and coming C. — alone). As I suspected! They employed 
someone to rob Dr. Jordan so that they might accuse 
Arthur! (Goes to desk and picks up note written by Wil- 
liams, reads it in silence and crushes it in her hands.) He 
fears me! Can he suspect me? No. I am resolved to cast 
my lot with Arthur, and together we will unmask these 
scoundrels ! This is indeed the royal highway to happiness 
I have found! How long shall I ride thereon before my 
dream vanishes ? (Sits at desk, R. C. and. busies herself 
with papers.) 

Enter Allen, C. D. He comes down C. to Margaret, 
jauntily waving his cane. 

Allen (at C. — to Margaret). Ahem! Miss Ames! 

Margaret (starts). You, Mr. Allen! I did not expect 
you until later in the day. 

Allen. To be sure, but I had so much on my mind, Miss 
Ames, that I took the first train for this point— 

Margaret (in whisper). Please do not speak my name, 
Mr. Allen. Remember, I am Miss Holmes until I have rea- 
son to come out in my proper colors. 



46 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Allen (bowing). Why, certainly, Miss A — beg- your 
pardon, Miss Holmes. When will this masquerading, this 
dancing after a shadow, come to an end ? 

Margaret (reproachfully). You will greatly favor me, 
Mr. Allen, by referring to my course of conduct in less 
opprobrious terms. I am not masquerading — 

Allen (interrupting). Not masquerading? Good Lord! 
What would you term the assumption of a false name by- 
another, this constant deception of persons who are dis- 
posed to be friendly to you and who must be shocked when 
the deception is made known? 

Margaret (eagerly). I will explain all to the satisfaction 
of every one, Mr. Allen. 

Allen. I am thinking only of what the world will say 
of this escapade, Miss — Miss Holmes. Personally, I know 
you nearly as well as I did your late lamented father. 
(Looks about.) Personally, I fail to comprehend how a 
woman of culture, refinement, attainments and all that sort 
of thing, can hibernate in so vile a place as this. 

Margaret (laughingly). You are in error, Mr. Allen. 
This is the most congenial atmosphere I have dwelt in for 
many years, if at all. It was to escape an odious environ- 
ment that I came here, and thank God, I have found what 
I sought. 

Allen (sitting at desk). You amaze me, Miss Am — 
pardon me again, it is devilishly hard to get used to Miss 
Holmes, which was your mother's maiden name. Be seated, 
child, and let us talk it over. 

Margaret (drawing chair from typewriter to place near 
Allen and seating herself). Oh, I do so want to have a 
heart-to-heart talk with you, Mr. Allen. 

Allen. We'll come to that in time, Margaret. It's easier 
to call you Margaret, for the first thing you know, I'll 
give your incognito away when I least expect it. 

Margaret (eagerly). Yes, call me Margaret. It is 
better so. 

Allen. I repeat, it is amazing to me that a woman who 
possesses millions, who moves in a social circle of such 
brilliance that thousands of less fortunate women would 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 47 

barter their souls to occupy; you, to gratify a whim, cast 
all these advantages aside. You call this a charming en- 
vironment and profess to be pleased with the menial posi- 
tion you occupy! 

Margaret. I did not expect that you would view the 
sentiments I entertain, as I do, for you have neither my 
heart nor soul — 

Allen {interrupting). Heart and soul? Fiddlesticks! 
What have heart or soul to do with your translation from 
the lap of luxury to all this — {waves his' hands at the sur- 
roundings with contempt). 

Margaret {enthusiastically). Everything, Mr. Allen! 
My soul prompted me to do what you may regard as some- 
thing abnormal, and my heart applauds the course of my 
soul! 

Allen {raising his hands in mock horror). Poor heart, 
poor soul! 

Margaret. When I was a child, I felt instinctively that 
there was something wrong with a system that provided 
an abundance of toys for a few children and denied them 
to the many tots that watched me with envy as I played. 

Allen {despairingly). Why, this is rank socialism! 
Heavens! I thought your father's death would have 
changed all this ! 

Margaret. It was my father's death that brought me to 
the full realization of my duty, that of employing a part, 
at least, of the great wealth he had wrung from the people, 
for their benefit rather than my own. 

Allen {in protest). But, Margaret — 

Margaret {interrupting). Let me finish, Mr. Allen. I 
am not like other women, as you know. I am neither fool- 
ish, giddy, thoughtless nor unreasonable. I flatter myself 
that my faculties are as nearly normal as it is possible for 
one in this erring world to be. From my earliest childhood 
I viewed life from standpoints radically different from those 
of persons whose finer sensibilities are blunted by the com- 
mon faults of mankind. I viewed the social fabric in which 
the men and women of the world are enmeshed, as a mighty 



48 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

chain which bound some to lives of ease and plenty, and 
others to existences of hopeless, despairing drudgery! 

Allen (negatively). Merely the lights and shades of 
life, Margaret. They have no significance. 

Margaret (dreamily). I conceived it to be fundamentally 
wrong that the pathways of some through life should be 
constantly illuminated, while those of others less fortunate 
should be depressingly dark. One day I discovered that 
the basis for human joys and sorrows, rights and wrongs, 
was money, always money! I then resolved that if ever 
I became rich, I would do all in my power to employ my 
wealth as God intended the rich should do — to lighten the 
burdens of the unfortunate whenever it was possible for 
me to do so. 

Allen (admiringly). Bravo. A Croesus turned philoso- 
pher! 

Margaret. When my father died two years ago, leaving 
to me this great burden of riches, my troubles actually 
began. I was sought after by self-serving men and women 
who have no other desire in life than to profit through 
their association with me. I found falsity, hypocrisy, deceit 
at every turn in what are called high social circles. Ah! 
an environment hedged in by bridge-crazed men and women, 
mad exponents of the tango ! Shameful ! 

Allen (laughingly). You're right about the tango — it 
ought to be suppressed. 

Margaret (meditatively). I felt myself stifling in this 
uncongenial social atmosphere and I yearned with all my 
soul for a change of condition by which I might be brought 
into contact with the antipodes of all I encountered in my 
own set for so many years. 

Allen. Have you found them here? 

Margaret (joyously). I have found ineffable peace of 
mind, contentment and happiness in the daily companion- 
ship of plain but honest folk who regard me as one of 
themselves. I have done some good, too, and, oh ! how 
beautiful it has been to hear those I have, secretly befriended, 
laud their unknown benefactor. No hypocritical protesta- 
tions these, but genuine gratitude, truth and sincerity! 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 49 

Allen (admiringly) . Really, Margaret, you interest me! 
How differently your father acted in his day! 

Margaret (thoughtfully) . My father was a gruff man 
who was eternally tied hand and foot by the inexorable 
rules of business and whose dominating principle was to 
let no man have a dollar for which he has not first received 
its equivalent in services performed! 

Allen (laughingly). And whose principle also was 
never to let a dollar he had earned get into the hands of 
the other fellow. 

Margaret. He was reared in the modern school of 
finance, a system which to me is cold, heartless, repelling! 
It is a crime for persons with wealth to hoard their riches 
as a miser does his gold. The promptings of humanity dic- 
tate another course to me and now that I find pleasure in 
doing good with my money secretly, I shall continue in 
that course until — (hesitates) 

Allen (inquiringly). Yes — ? 

Margaret (sighingly). Until I have found my mate — a 
man strong enough to relieve me of the greater part of 
the burden I have assumed. 

Allen. You mean a man who will rise to the heights of 
your ideals of what a husband of a woman like you should 
be? 

Margaret (rising and standing C, thoughtfully). Yes, 
a man whom I can love with my whole heart ! 

Allen. Have you already found such a man ? 

Margaret. I think so, Mr. Allen. At least, I am on the 
royal highway that leads to happiness, so I will indulge my 
dream until the end! 

Allen (rising and crossing to R. C). Well, what are 
your plans for the future? 

Margaret (suddenly) . I nearly forgot to tell you that I 
leave this place today. 

Allen (surprised) . Eh? Going back to New York? 

Margaret. No, I've been discharged by Mr. Williams 
and I have accepted another engagement. 

Allen. How interesting! 

Margaret (whispers to him). You wouldn't believe it, 



50 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

% Tarsal Fm gCtting t0 ^ " regUlai * SheH0ck Holmes 
Allen. Nothing you do surprises me, Margaret 

-3Sd^'«S? the aid of Arthur - M? - ***». i 

Alle N (interrupting). So it's Arthur already, my girl I 

liams is" a RE t T hi f:^^- We - h3Ve P r °° f tha " Mr Wil: 
nams is a thief and we are going to use this proof as a 

■3? r gam ° Ur ^ nds ' Arthur » ?™S to be uo mi ! 
Allen" ftrf^ 8 f ? *£ g ° ing to heb/hinfwin hi figh ! 
Allen (admmngly). You're an ideal suffragette 1 

Alkn- Arf ire i> roach ffy)- Anything but tha , Mr. 
wee e ks ! pX y s" PrePar6d t0 refflain Here f ° r a f6W da ^ 

^Y^llTr in - this ho,e for days «■ 

Margaret. For my sake, Mr. Allen, I'm going- to eive 
you a power of attorney to represent me herfsTthat you 
ZIa^ y ° Ur 6yeS Up0n Wil 'iams. It's part of our game 

Allen"^ *, r in ^ Ve t0 > fight the devil with fire 
fellow! {slghmgly ^ Your Arthur ^ a devilish clever 

w Margaret (enthusiastically). He is a man, every inch of 

- Allen {■with wry face). Is there no other way out of 
this mess? Must I remain in this prosy place for the Lord 
knows how long, doing your detective stunt ? 

see thaM^ ^ mUSt ^ Y ° m eye U P on WiIliams and 
see that he does no more mischief. Were it not that our 

the Se ins g t a ant St I Tr. T^^ *' IT" 16 ^ rid of ^m "" 
office- employed for a period in Arthur's 

AlfS ( Jf tem *'*V>: ?h. that's it, eh? (Resignedly.) 

tne reft to i^ W,th ^ P ° Wer of atto ™^ ^d leave 
the rest to me. 1 11 manage him somehow 

(GoinatTR ?'p^r^ A y0l i' re ? oin ? to P^ the ™rtyr. 

powT/o/atrnf^ ^ ** "* ^ * Wi " make out ** 

Allen (^ toR.2E.), A fine bunch of conspirators 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 51 

we are! If the New York newspapers get onto us now, 
they wouldn't do a thing to us. 

. Margaret (laughingly) . Have they solved the mystery 
of my disappearance yet? 

Allen. No. The reporters gave me a hard chase, but 
they finally accepted my story that you had gone to the 
South Seas on a long vacation cruise. 

Margaret (mock sympathy). It is dreadful to deceive 
the reporters so cruelly. 

Allen. Oh, they'll survive it, I fancy. (Exeunt Mar- 
garet and Allen, R. 2 E.) 

Enter Lucy and Felton, C. D. 

Lucy (despondently) . I'm sick of this place, Harry. 

Felton (dolefully) . You've got nothing on me, Lucy. 

Lucy (sitting at desk, L. C). Are you a man, Harry? 

Felton. I used to think so, but sometimes I think I'm a 
misfit. 

Lucy (acidly). Then it's time you were making up your 
mind about it one way or another ! 

Felton (alarmed). What's that, Lucy? 

Lucy. You've been trying to tell me something for a 
month, and if you don't soon "finish the job, you'll have 
me nifty to a fare-you-well. 

Felton (taking her hand). There is something I wanted 
to say to you every day for a month, but every time I start 
the carbureter in my tongue goes on strike. 

Lucy (laughingly) . Get a new spark plug, Harry. 
Enter Morgan, C. D. f hastily. 

Felton (admiringly). Gee! It's a good thing you're so 
sensible, Lucy ! I'll get it over with now or die ! I want 
you, Lucy, I want you — (hesitates.) 

Lucy (despairingly) . Yes, yes, you want me — ? 

Felton (gulpingly). I want — I want — (aside.) I wish 
- a house would fall on me ! 

Morgan (at C, interrupting). Where is Miss Holmes, 
Harry? (Felton and Lucy break aivay from each other in 
confusion. Lucy resumes work at desk, while Felton 
turns to books on table up L.) 



52 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

IdSli^' 0^ f isn't this fierce! (To Morgan.) 
Morgan. Thank you. (Crosses to L. C ) 
Enter Williams and Hampton C n Th» 

to desk, R. C. ON ' U V ' lhe y c °me down 

Hampton (jovially to Morgan). There von ar * m 

s .Wil LIAMS (to Mo RGAN) . Have you any business here, 
Morgan („»/ yJ . That does not ^^ 
£»fer Margaret a«rf Allen R 2 F n , _, 

U™T4y rMy) - LeaVe this office at °"ce! 

Morgan! '•^"^ f ° C.—to Morgan). Stop, Mr. 

Hampton (surprised). Wouldn't it jar you 1 

setS^ytfSnt^S" ° f T^ ™ ^ 
crosses to C slowlJ\v£rr£I (P°™ H ng to Allen, who 

Horace Alkn, of ti York so^° mtr ° dUCe - t0 y ° U Mr " 
Ames. ' speclaI representative of Miss 

a Hampton („& * Wxllxams). I' m beginning to smel! 

i^ss sg.- i;r e r sh the rat (r < a ™> 

Allen (fo Williams). You are Mr Unr 
superintendent here? Mn Wllham s, the 

Williams. I have that honor 
^elton (aside). Oh, bunk! 
Allen (produces document). I have W* a <U r 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 53 

pleased to revoke my power. (Hands document to Wil- 
liams.) 

Williams (taking document) . This seems to be all right, 
but as she mentioned nothing of this sort in her letters to 
me, I may be pardoned if — 

Allen. Miss Ames does business in her own way and is 
accountable to no one for her moods, however mysterious 
they may appear to you, sir. 

Williams (returning document to Allen). Then, sir, 
if you take charge here, what are my functions? 

Allen. You may do as you like. (Confers with Mar- 
garet, C.) 

Hampton (aside to Williams). It's that cat's work! 
She must have wired lies to Miss Ames. 

Williams. I'll find some way to get the better of them 
before the day of the convention. 

Morgan (aside to Margaret, L. C). You are still de- 
termined to quit this employment and enter mine ? 

Margaret. More than ever, Arthur. 

Morgan. You have taken a great load off my mind, 
Margaret. (They confer.) 

Williams (to Allen). I have one request to make, Mr. 
Allen. 

Allen. Name it, sir. 

Williams. It is that Miss Holmes, whom I discharged 
this morning, be reinstated. 

Allen (laughingly). Miss Holmes is a protege of Miss 
Ames and can be discharged only by Miss Ames. How you 
assumed that authority, I fail to understand. 

Margaret (to Allen). It doesn't matter, Mr. Allen. 
I am no longer in the employ of the Ames Mining Company. 

Allen (as if surprised). Eh, what's that? 

Margaret. I have accepted a position as stenographer in 
the office of Mr. Arthur Morgan, attorney at law. 

Hampton (aside to Williams). There's something in 
this that's deeper'n we think it is. We've got to get to 
the bottom of it ! 

Williams (annoyed). We shall, you may depend upon it. 



54 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Morgan. Miss Holmes speaks the truth — she has hon- 
ored me by becoming my secretary. 

Margaret {loftily). I'm going to take a plunge into the 
sea of politics ! Mr. Morgan is the reform candidate for 
nomination for Congress from this district and I'm going to 
help him get the nomination ! 

Hampton (excitedly) . I knew it! She's a suffragette! 

Margaret. No, Mr. Hampton ! I'm merely a woman who 
has taken up the fight for clean and honest politics in this 
town. 

Hampton. We don't need women in politics here, Miss 
Holmes. 

Margaret. You need them now more than ever, Mr. 
Hampton. And when this battle has been fought, I fancy 
you'll know that I have been in it. 

Hampton (frowningly) . Take it from me, young lady, 
you've got the fight of your life on your hands, for I'm 
ag'in ye. 

Margaret (turning to Hampton). And you'll learn to 
your cost, that I'm ag'in ye, too ! (To Morgan.) Come, we 
have work to do elsewhere. 

Morgan. We'll fight side by side, Margaret. 

Hampton (chuckling). We accept the challenge! All 
we ask of you is to stick to the rules of the game. 

Margaret. Yes, we'll stick to the rules of the game, Mr. 
Hampton. 

Hampton (triumphantly) . If you do, I'll win! 

Margaret (coldly). No, you'll be at my feet crying for 
mercy! Good morning, gentlemen. (Margaret and Mor- 
gan go side by side to C. D., then halt and watch Hampton, 
who stands, R. C, with Williams. Felton and Lucy 
confer at desk, L. C, while Allen stands smilingly looking 
alternately at others until — ) 

Curtain. 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 55 



Act III. 



Scene: Interior of Morgan's law office, in 3. Practical 
door, R. C, opening on a vestibule showing hat rack and 
umbrella stand. Practical door, L. 2 E. Curtained window 
to L. of C. in F., backed by tree drop. Flat-top desk, with 
three chairs, R. C. Sofa, L. C. Screen up L. Bookcase, 
showing books, R. of window. Also revolving bookstand 
near desk. Letter press and other furnishings peculiar to 
law office. Rugs on floor, and pictures on wall. See scene 
plot for stage setting. 

At rise discovered Jordan and Mrs. Jones, the former 
standing near desk, the latter seated on sofa. Books and 
writing materials on desk. 

Jordan {to Mrs. Jones as he looks at his watch). Did I 
understand you to say that Mr. Morgan would return to the 
city this morning, Mrs. Jones? 

Mrs. Jones. So Miss Holmes informed me a few mo- 
ments since. 

Jordan. I hope the information is true. It is highly im- 
portant that he should be here today. ( Goes to window and 
looks off.) The Congressional convention meets in the City 
Hall at noon and the Law and Order League is much con- 
cerned in the result of its deliberations. 

Mrs. Jones. There is apt to be a great contest between the 
rival forces, I fancy. 

Jordan {returning to C). Unquestionably, Mrs. Jones. 

Mrs. Jones. Do you think Mr. Morgan's chances for the 
nomination are good ? 

Jordan. That is difficult to say. The law abiding citizens 
have expressed their preference in no uncertain language, 
but defiant of public opinion as usual, Mr. Hampton and his 
henchmen have intimated that the public be damned and 
seem determined to cram O'Grady down our throats, willy 
nilly. 

Mrs. Jones. This man is positively disgusting, but he 
seems to be in absolute control of the party machinery, so 



56 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

that it'will be by a miracle only if Mr. Morgan succeeds in 
wresting the nomination from Mr. O'Grady. 

Jordan (piously). I sincerely believe the Lord will per- 
form that miracle, Mrs. Jones. This community long has 
suffered under the misrule of these corrupt politicians, and 
I verily believe their day of judgment has dawned. 

Mrs. Jones (laughingly). I hope so, Dr. Jordan. But 
you forget one important factor in this popular struggle. 

Jordan (surprised) . Indeed! What is this factor? 

Mrs. Jones. Margaret Holmes. 

Jordan. How? 

Mrs. Jones. She is using every means to win the dele- 
gates of the Ames Mining Company over to Mr. Morgan 
and both Williams and Hampton are greatly worried. 

Jordan. There is no doubt of that. The hosts of Satan 
are wavering. 

Mrs. Jones. Miss Holmes obtained from Miss Ames, 
who is said to be traveling in the West, a personal request 
to every delegate to the convention employed by the Ames 
Company to vote for Mr. Morgan. 

Jordan. How did the miners accept this request? 

Mrs. Jones. The sentiment was divided. Mr. Allen 
begged the men to stand up for law, order and decency 
against the boss, while Mr. Williams, who seems to control 
the miners absolutely, told them to vote as they liked with- 
out orders, but at the same urging that O'Grady, and not 
Morgan, was the man of the hour. 

Jordan. The usual tactics employed by such men to gain 
their ends. 

Mrs. Jones. Miss Holmes is now engaged in making a 
house to house campaign, and she has interviewed the wife 
or sister of every delegate, as well as all the delegates them- 
selves, in Mr. Morgan's interests. 

Jordan. I hope she may gain many converts to her cause. 
She is a noble young woman and has been our lucky star. 
It is strange that since her arrival here three months ago 
so many anonymous yet noble benefactions have been re- 
ported. 

Mrs. Jones (thoughtfully). There is much in what you 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 57 

say, Dr. Jordan. Yet what connection could she have had 
with these benefactions? 

Jordan. The inspiration to do good has its origin in the 
souls of men when they come in contact with beings like 
Miss Holmes, who radiate their goodness as the sun scatters 
its glad light in the dark places of the earth, dispelling 
gloom and uplifting mankind. I am sure Miss Holmes has 
influenced some wealthy person to come to our aid. 

Mrs. Jones (laughingly). It is undeniable that within 
four weeks after her arrival here I received $1,000 for the 
Ladies' Aid Society. 

Jordan. And I $5,000 for a parsonage. 

Mrs. Jones. The Young Men's Christian Association re- 
ceived $20,000 for new equipment and an extension to its 
building; the Miners' Hospital $5,000 for needed improve- 
ments, and Mrs. Manning, whose husband was killed in the 
Ames mine, received $3,000 from this mysterious donor. 

Jordan. You mention only a few, Mrs. Jones. Who sent 
the furniture to that poor widow, Mrs. Peyton, with a let- 
ter containing $500? Who bought that wooden leg for 
George Hartman, the Ames miner who was crippled in an 
explosion? Who left that wallet containing $500 at his 
lodging ? 

Mrs. Jones. Don't forget the $3,000 sent to Father Fla- 
herty to aid in educating young miners and to keep them out 
of the saloons. Who gave $2,500 to Mrs. Warrington to pro- 
vide clothing for the children of the miners impoverished 
by the strike last spring? 

Jordan. And that is not all, Mrs. Jones. 

Enter Margaret. R. C. She places her hat on rack 
and turns as if to come down C, but seeing others she 
pauses unobserved. 

Mrs. Jones (turning pages of magazine). Has someone 
paid the city's debt? 

Jordan. Not that, but this same mysterious benefactor 
has notified the Mayor that a fund of $150,000 is awaiting 
him in the City Bank, to be employed in the erection of a 



58 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

hospital for the free treatment of miners disabled in acci- 
dents. 

Mrs. Jones. Glorious! Strange! (Pauses in thought.) 

Jordan. Strange ! 

Mrs. Jones. Miss Holmes was talking to me a few days 
ago about the hospital needs of the city, and — (discovers 
Margaret, who comes down C.) why, there is Miss Holmes. 

Jordan (turning quickly). We have been expecting you. 

Margaret (at. C, smilingly). In that case I am not in- 
truding, I hope? 

Jordan. Certainly not, Miss Holmes. 

Mrs. Jones. We were discussing you as you came in, 
Miss Holmes. 

Margaret (affecting surprise). Me? Why discuss me? 

Jordan. We were remarking how queer it was that coin- 
cident with your arrival here, so many anonymous contribu- 
tions should have been publicly and privately made — 

Margaret (interrupting) . A coincidence, that's all. Look 
at me. Do I look like a philanthropist who disburses his 
wealth as I would cast off a worn out glove ? ( Goes to 
desk R. C.) 

Mrs. Jones (rising and crossing to C). Nevertheless, 
Margaret, we attribute our good fortune to you. 

Enter Hampton, R. C. He comes down C. 

Margaret. Really, I've been too busy to give the matter 
you speak of a single thought. Mr. Morgan's campaign has 
kept me quite busy, as you know. 

Jordan. I for one, Miss Holmes, hope your efforts may 
not be in vain. 

Margaret. Thank you, Dr. Jordan. 

Hampton (making wry face — to Margaret). Excuse 
me, Miss Holmes, if I give you a valuable pointer, which is, 
that you're wasting your time. 

Jordan (aside). That ungodly person again! 

Margaret (to Hampton). Your pointers may not be as 
valuable as you think, Mr. Hampton. You may yet learn 
that I never waste my time. 

Hampton (sneeringly) . Well, your time ain't worth 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 59 

much anyhow, so it- don't make much difference how you 
I use it. (Turns L.) 

Jordan (to Margaret). I have an appointment at the 
Y. M. C. A. Will you excuse me, Miss Holmes? 

Margaret. Certainly, Dr. Jordan. 

Mrs. Jones (to Jordan). I'll go with you, Dr. Jordan. 

Hampton (sarcastically). I hope I ain't driving you 
away. 

Jordan. Your solicitude is quite wasted, Mr. Hampton. 
(To Margaret.) Good morning, Miss Holmes. 

Margaret. Good morning. 

Mrs. Jones (going to R. C. after Jordan). May I call 
again, Miss Holmes, after the convention? 

Margaret. I not only desire, but request you to do so, 
Mrs. Jones. (Exeunt Jordan and Mrs. Jones, R. C.) 

Hampton (aside, as he seats himself on sofa L. C). 
Hum! Looks like I've got a tough contract on my hands. 
(To Margaret, conciliatingly). I want to have a heart to 
heart talk with you, Miss Holmes. 

Margaret (rummaging about desk). Be brief, Mr. 
Hampton. I have much of importance to do this morning. 

Hampton (aside). Gee! She's as warm as an iceberg, 
but I guess she'll be hot before I'm through with her. 

Margaret (curtly). What is your business with me, Mr. 
Hampton ? 

Hampton. I've come to see you about this fool notion 
of yours to get that nomination for Morgan. 

Margaret (laughingly) . Women with fool notions some- 
times accomplish great reforms, Mr. Hampton. What have 
^you to say to me? Don't you see I'm busy? 

Hampton. I want to give you one more chance to call 
Morgan off. 

Margaret (disdainfully). How kind of you! 

Hampton. He's got no more show to get that nomina- 
tion than he has to be elected President of this grand and 
glorious Union, and if he had, I'd beat him to a frazzle. 

Margaret. I wouldn't be so sure of that, Mr. Hampton, 
if I were you. 



60 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Hampton (gruffly). Well, I'm sure of it and that goes! 
I want you to call him off instanter. 

Margaret. And if I refuse to do so ? 

Hampton (intimidatingly) . If you don't, I'll put him 
wise to you, all right. 

Margaret (curious). Wise to me? I do not think I un- 
derstand. 

Hampton (leeringly) . Oh, I guess you can see through 
a millstone if there's a hole in it, young lady. (Roughly.) . 
See here, you're a fraud with a big F! 

Margaret (coldly). You are a coward, and I insist that 
you leave this place! 

Hampton. Your name ain't Holmes any more than mine 
is Fitzdoodle. 

Margaret (starts — aside). Does he suspect the truth? 
(To Hampton.) Is it your intention to insult me, a de- 
fenceless woman and alone? 

Hampton (chuckling). Insult you! That's rich! Look 
here, young woman, take my tip and get out of town before 
Sam Harrison comes here with the goods on you and packs 
you off to the station house. 

Margaret. Your language is incomprehensible. Surely 
you are mad. If you do not leave, I shall call for help. 

Hampton. You can let out a yelp whenever it suits you, 
for you're bound to land in jail. 

Margaret (soberly). To land in jail, as you say, I must 
have committed some offence against the law. What crime 
have I committed? 

Hampton (chuckling). Gee! I ain't no public prose- 
cutor, but it strikes me you know what you've done without 
me telling you. 

Margaret (thoughtfully) . I'm sure I know of no wrong 
of which I am guilty. 

Hampton (disgustedly). Nix on the innocence stuff! 
You know as well as I do that you're the gal the New York 
police have been searching for for three or four months. 

Margaret (starts, with hand on heart, aside). Mr. Al- 
len never told me it had gone as far as that. 

Hampton (watching her closely). Struck the bullseye 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 61 

plumb center that time, didn't I, young lady? I've been on 
to you all the time. 

Margaret (alarmed). Why are the New York police 
looking for me? 

Hampton. 'Cause they want you for working a confi- 
dence game. 

Margaret {sits at desk in amazement). A confidence 
game ! I don't know what that is, but it must be something 
dreadful ! 

Hampton. Surest thing you know ! 

Margaret. Tell me all about it. 

Hampton (rises and crosses to Margaret at desk). 
Now look here, I'll make that plain to you as the nose on 
the face of a Turk. You left New York under an assumed 
name. 

Margaret (alarmed). You cannot prove it, sir! 

Hampton. It ain't part of my business to do it, and I 
won't! Before you left you had made up your mind to 
come here and lead a new life among strangers. Am I right? 

Margaret (aside). How did he learn my secret? (To 
Hampton.) I admit nothing. It is for you to prove your 
assertion. 

Hampton. I'll leave that to the police, unless you do 
what I say. Before you left New York you bamboozled a 
swell Wall Street guy out of ten thousand plunks. 

Margaret (amazed). I do such a thing! It is absurd — 
outrageous ! 

Hampton (laughingly) . That's just what the sucker you 
played told the police. That explains where you got that 
five thousand dollars that night when you saved Morgan 
from arrest. You had it in your room and you were so 
badly stuck on Morgan that you coughed up all that money 
to keep him out of jail. 

Margaret (rising and crossing to C, angrily). This is 
infamous! Mr. Morgan will call you to account for your 
. language ! 

Hampton. You didn't find that money as you said you 
did, for the simple reason that the man who stole Dr. Jor- 
dan's money never lost it ! 



62 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Margaret (facing -him at C. boldly). Now you have re- 
vealed the secret of your confederates! Scoundrel! You 
and Mr. Williams sought through a burglary to ruin the 
reputation of an honest man whose political strength you 
feared ! Thank God ! I • was able to frustrate your con- 
temptible design! 

Hampton (chuckling) . I knew I was on the right track! 
You confess you put up the five thousand to save him! 

Margaret (defiantly). I confess to nothing! I defy 
you t© prove that I am not what I pretend to be! 

Hampton (looking at watch carelessly) . I don't have to, 
young lady. I'm going to give you half an hour to call 
Morgan off, or Harrison will nab you. D'ye hear me? 

Margaret. You cannot frighten me, sir! (Aside, as she 
goes to window and looks off.) Oh, if Arthur were here! 
I must do something to gain time! 

Hampton (goes up R.). You've got your course laid 
out, Miss, and the sooner you get onto yourself the better 
it will be for you. 

Margaret. One word with you, please, before you go. 

Hampton. Well, spit it out quick. (Cheers heard off 
L.) The boys are gathering for the convention. 

Margaret. Are all political bosses like you, Mr. Hamp- 
ton? 

Hampton (angrily). They ain't all as handsome; but 
say, cut out the comedy. What's your game now? 

Margaret (significantly) . It's a political game I'm play- 
ing, but I half suspect it is somewhat degrading. 

Hampton (doubtingly) . I don't get you. 

Margaret. It may surprise you, Mr. Hampton, to learn 
that I have a little inside knowledge of a coal deal which 
you and Mr. Williams worked with the aid of a certain 
gentleman in Philadelphia and which netted you about 
$40,000, 

Hampton (alarmed). The devil you have! How did you 
catch on? 

Enter Morgan, R. C. He stands at entrance for an 
instant, then moves slowly down C, the others failing to 
observe him. 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 63 

Margaret. This deal was robbery pure and simple, Mr. 
Hampton, and Miss Ames will hold you answerable to the 

Hampton (laughingly). You can't work that melodra- 
matic stuff on me! You can't prove a word you say 

Morgan (stepping between them at C). Yes she can, 
Hampton. ' 

Hampton (surprised). Hello! See who s here, How 
d'ye, Morgan? t 

Morgan (avoiding Hampton and turning to Margaret). 
What does this man want? 

Margaret. He refuses to believe that we have proofs of 
his complicity in this robbery of Miss Ames of $40,000. 

Morgan (to Hampton). We have the proof as Miss 
Holmes says, Hampton. Leave us, please. 

Hampton. You're the sweetest kidder I know, Morgan. 
But this ain't going to get you that nomination for Congress. 

Margaret. You will instruct your henchmen to vote for 
Mr. Morgan, will you not, Mr. Hampton? ? 

Hampton (laughingly). Stop your kidding. O Grady s 
on the slate, and the slate's going through with a whirl. 

Margaret. If it does, you will be under arrest for em- 
bezzlement. ■ , 

Hampton. You're trying to blackmail me, but it won t 
go • see ! I'm too old a bird to walk into any trap set by you ; 
but believe me, I'll get your measure before sundown. 
(Exit R. C.) ; '.. . _ 

Morgan (to Margaret). What has happened since 1 
left here three days ago? . 

Margaret. The Ames delegation in the convention is 
wavering with every prospect of ultimately casting their bal- 
lots for you. 

Morgan. Excellent! (Sits at desk and works among 
papers theron.) What is Williams doing? 

Margaret (standing at R. of desk). He is urging the 
men to stand out for O'Grady, of course, but Mr. Allen has 
neutralized his efforts by assuring them that in nominating 
you they will not only aid the cause of honest government, 



64 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

but improve the condition of their families and themselves 
as well. 

Morgan. I hope the argument will have due weight, 
Margaret, but the trail of politics is so slimy, that he who 
once has been deceived will regard all with suspicion. 
Hampton has deceived them openly for years, so that it is 
incredible that he should find any political support at all. 

Margaret. But you have not deceived them, Arthur, and 
I'm sure they will rally to your support in the end. 

Morgan. Your enthusiasm is making an optimist of me, 
Margaret. You are right. I have not deceived them, for 
deceit in any form is abhorrent to me. 

Margaret (starts perceptibly). But harmless deception, 
Arthur — is that abhorrent to you, also? 

Morgan. There is no such thing as harmless deception, 
Margaret. He who deceives another, even though good may 
be accomplished thereby, is guilty of a despicable offence. 

Margaret (eagerly). Suppose I were to deceive you, 
Arthur — 

Morgan (interrupting laughingly). You deceive me, 
Margaret ? That would be impossible. 

Margaret. Many women have deceived the men they 
idolized, because they could not help it, I suppose. Why do 
you think I am different from most women? 

Morgan (rising and taking her hands, leads her to C). 
Because I read your soul through your eyes, and not the 
slightest trace of deceit do I find there. (Looks into her 
eyes.) I see lurking in their crystal depths only nobility of 
thought and purpose, truth, sincerity and — and love for me. 

Margaret (placing her head on his shoulder). Perhaps 
you do not look deep- enough, Arthur. Suppose I were not 
what I seemed — suppose I really were deceiving you, and— 
oh, I don't know how to express myself! 

Morgan (pressing her to him). Don't try, sweetheart. 
Let's talk of love — 

Margaret (breaking away from him). But I must try! 
You have not answered me. Suppose you were to learn that 
I have deceived you, would your love for me endure? 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 



65 



Morgan (laughingly, after a pause). Before I answer 
you, let me tell you of my sister. 

Margaret. Your sister. ... • . „>,., 

Morgan (leading her to desk, he sitting at one side, she 
on the other) . Poor Martha ! She was six years my senior 
and I fifteen years old when our mother died. Mingling our 
tears, my sister and I swore we would never separate in 
this life. Martha became in truth a second mother to me. 
Margaret. Noble Martha! 

Morgan. But in due time f went to college, and when 1 
was in my Freshman year she wrote me that she was in 
Ce Several weeks elapsed and then she wrote me that 
she was married. Her letters became more and more in- 
frequent and finally ceased altogether. When I graduated 
I begged her to come to the college commencement, but re- 
ceived no answer. 

Margaret. Strange! M ™v, 

Morgan. I hastened to New York and began a search 

of the marriage records in an effort to locate her. At last 

I found what I sought. She had become the wife of a man 

named Stark and I went to the address given in the license 

certificate. I sought there in vain, but at length made he 

discovery that my sister and her husband had lived for 

toree years in a crowded tenement in the lower East Side, 

frequented by men and women of the under world! 

Margaret (shudderingly) . Horrible! 

Morgan. Horrible, indeed! The truth was revealed to 

m e by accident. My sister had wedded a man she believed 

to be worthy of her love, but who proved to be a wolf in 

sheep's clothing— an ex-convict! <•*„>* 

Margaret (sobbingly). An ex-convict! And she didnt 

^Morgan (emotion). No, she didn't know, poor girl This 
scoundrel, Stark, was a counterfeiter who was senten ced to 
serve a term of seven years in state's prison. Shocked at her 
discovery, her life wrecked, absolutely without, hope and 
crazed by the cruel deception practiced upon her, my poor 
confidingsister sprang into the Hudson River one night and 
was — was drowned! 



66 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Margaret. Poor, poor Martha! And the body? 

Morgan (recovering himself with an effort). Was swept 
out to sea and lost forever ! 

Margaret. Did her husband learn the result of his vil- 
lainy ? 

Morgan. I do not know. When I searched for him I 
learned that he had left Sing Sing prison only a few days 
before and had vanished, no one knew whither. (After a 
pause.) It was well for him that he fled, for had we met I 
would have killed him! (Rises and walks excitedly R. 
and L.) 

Margaret (rising and going slowly to C). I now un- 
derstand your horror of deception, Arthur. If a woman 
were to deceive you — ■ 

Morgan (interrupting earnestly). I should forgive her 
no more than I should pardon the scoundrel who drove my 
only sister to death. 

Margaret (aside, as she goes to L. 2 E.). What will he 
think of me when he learns the truth. (To Morgan.) Your 
story has depressed me more than you think, Arthur. Please 
excuse me for awhile. 

Morgan (crossing to L. 2 E. and taking her hand). Par- 
don me, Margaret. I was brutally frank, but of course this 
is of only passing interest to you. Forgive me. 

Margaret (sadly). There is nothing to forgive, Arthur. 
(Exit L.2E.) 

Morgan (alone, looking after Margaret as she exits). 
What did she mean by this talk of deception? Has she a 
secret? Can she be deceiving me and does her conscience 
reproach her for it? No, no! It is impossible! (Goes to 
desk R. C.) It is idle curiosity that prompts her to speak 
enigmatically — she wishes to test my love for her. Well, 
so be it. I will prove to her that my love is staunch as 
Gibraltar and permanent as the stars! (Sits at desk and 
works.) 

Enter Felton and Lucy, R. C. They come down C, 
Felton standing near desk an d Lucy sitting on sofa L. C. 






THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 67 

Felton (to Morgan). Glad to see you back, Mr. Mor- 
gan. 

Lucy (to Morgan). Indeed we are, Mr. Morgan. 

Morgan (laughingly). Thank you both. What can I do 
for you? 

Felton (scratching his head). Can't just think of that 
now, but we've come to let you know that Lucy and I have 
gone out on strike. 

Morgan (surprised) . On strike? 

Felton. Same thing. We've quit the Ames Company 
for good. 

Lucy. The company will go to the bowwows sure now. 

Morgan. What in the world are you children talking 
about? Why have you quit? 

Felton. Because we couldn't stand the bunch of mutts 
there since Miss Holmes left. 

Lucy. That's right, Mr. Morgan. They lead us a dog's 
life, and we wouldn't stand for any more of it. 

Morgan. Let me understand this. Did Mr. Allen cause 
you any annoyance? 

Felton. Lord, no ! He's a prince. It's Williams who did 
the dirty work. He's a born crook, isn't he, Lucy ? 

Lucy (shudderingly) . He's worse than that — he's a slan- 
derer. 

Morgan. Whom is he slandering? 

Lucy (to Felton). You'd better tell him, Harry. I hate 
this sort of gossip. 

Felton (laughingly). That's rich! You hate gossip? 
What did you join that suffrage club for, if it wasn't 
to gossip ? 

Lucy (pouting). You're perfectly dreadful, Harry. I'll 
never speak to you again as long as I live. (Dives her head 
into pillozv.) 

Felton (to Morgan). Don't mind her, Morgan. She's 
subject to 'em. 

Morgan (annoyed). You haven't told me whom Wil- 
liams was slandering. 

Felton. Excuse me — you. 



68 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Morgan (sighs in relief). Oh, that's all right. I thought 
it was something real serious. 

Felton. So I thought when he began to slander Miss 
Holmes — 

Morgan (interrupting). Did the rascal dare? 

Felton. He wouldn't had he known the kind of package 
I handed out to him, was held in reserve. (Strikes an atti- 
tude.) I gave him a right hook to the jaw, and down he 
went to the mat, straight as a string. Didn't he, Lucy? 

Lucy. Why, he didn't come to for ten minutes. I thought 
Harry had killed him. 

Felton. I wish I had. 

Morgan. What did Williams say? 

Felton. He said he had evidence that Miss Holmes 
wasn't Miss Holmes at all. (Hesitates.) 

Morgan. Keep right on, Harry. What .else? 

Felton (dubiously) . Of course he was lying; but he said 
Miss Holmes was wanted by the New York police for 
working a confidence game on some Wall Street broker — 

Morgan (agitated). The scoundrel! 

Felton. When he said that, I didn't wait for anything 
more, but I went on the war path like an Indian seeking 
his first scalp. 

Morgan. You should have killed him! 

Lucy (rising). He will next time! 

Felton. I guess I will. Lucy and I talked the matter over 
and we made up our minds to look for other jobs. (Faint 
cheers heard off L. He goes to window and looks off.) 
There's the Ames delegation marching to the Congressional 
convention in the City Hall. 

Morgan (aside at desk). This mystery must be solved. 
I must be calm, for if I lost my temper at this time, all 
would be lost. (To Felton.) I'm off to the convention, 
Harry. I need two votes to win the nomination and you 
must help me. 

Felton. Sure thing, Mr. Morgan. Are you going to get 
them from Bill Hampton? 

Morgan. I must get them at any cost. 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 69 

Felton. Then you can't afford to talk moral law to those 
chaps. Talk cash! 

Morgan (laughingly) . You're a bad adviser, Harry. I'll 
get those votes on my merits or fail. Come along. (Exit 
R. C.) 

Felton (to Lucy). I'll do a little dragging myself, but 
merits be hanged! Let's go to the City Hall. It's our day 
off, you know. 

Enter Harrison, R. C, leisurely. 

Lucy. I don't mind, Harry. We'll make it a picnic. (Goes 
up stage.) 

Felton. Right you are, Lucy. (Sees Harrison — to 
Harrison.) Hello, Sam! What's up? 

Harrison. Nothing much, Harry. Hope you'll have a 
good time. 

Felton. You bet we will, Sam. (Exeunt with Lucy, 
R. C.) 

_ Harrison (looking about at C). I'm beginning to hate 
this business. This guff Hampton gave the Chief about 
Miss Holmes being the woman wanted in New York is 
simple rot, or I have another guess coming. Some day I 
hope to get the real goods on Hampton, and when I do, 
there'll be another boss who'll go to jail. There she comes. 
Enter Margaret, L. 2 E. She comes C. 

Harrison (to Margaret). I'm glad you've come, Miss 
Holmes. 

Margaret (surprised). To what do I owe the pleasure 
of this visit, Mr. Harrison? 

Harrison (after a pause). Just a little personal matter, 
that's all. 

Margaret (inquiringly). Personal? 

Harrison. Yes, I'm looking for a young woman about 
your age and appearance who is wanted in New York for 
working a confidence game. 

Margaret (starts — aside). The blow has fallen! (To 
Harrison.) Why do you come to me? 

Harrison. Because information has been lodged with the 
Chief that you are the woman wanted. 



70 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Margaret (impatiently). But this is an absurd accusa- 
tion. Do I look like a criminal ? 

Harrison (admiringly) . I should say not, Miss Holmes. 
But the Chief sent me down here to investigate, and my 
duty — 

Margaret (horrified) . Is to arrest me? 

Harrison (nonplused). I wouldn't put it as rough as 
that, Miss Holmes. If you don't mind, you might come 
with me to the Chief — 

Margaret (pleadingly). I cannot do that, Mr. Harrison. 
Won't you give me two hours — one hour, please ? I have 
urgent reasons for making this request, and I'm sure all will 
be explained to the satisfaction of the Chief and yourself. 

Harrison. Why, of course, that's satisfactory to me, 
Miss Holmes. 

Margaret. Thank you so much. Who was it made this 
odious charge against me ? 

Harrison. I saw Hampton and Williams talking myster- 
iously like to the Chief, and when they left just now the 
Chief gave me orders to call on you and report. 

Margaret. Miserable wretches ! Why should they seek 
to ruin me? 

Harrison. They're trying to get at Morgan through you. 
That's their game. 

Margaret. They will not succeed. (Loud cheering off 
L. Harrison goes to window aand looks off, Margaret 
following him.) 

Harrison (at window). Guess the convention is getting 
down to business. 

Margaret. I hope with all my heart that Mr. Morgan 
will be nominated. 

Harrison. So do I, Miss Holmes. It's high time that we 
we were getting rid of crooks like Hampton and putting 
honest men like Mr. Morgan in office. (Goes to R. C.) 
I'll be back in an hour or so. You'll be ready, then, Miss 
Holmes ? 

Margaret (at window). I will be ready. (Exit Har- 
rison, R. C.) The crisis. is at hand and I must disclose 






THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 71 

my identity or suffer arrest on this ridiculous charge. 
(Laughingly.) What will the New York papers say when 
they learn that Miss Ames has been arrested as a confidence 
queen? (Comes down C. thoughtfully.) What shall I do? 
Shall I reveal myself and risk losing Arthur's love ? I have 
deceived him. He believes me to be a poor girl. What will 
he think when he learns the truth? (Clamor of voices off- 
stage L., cheering., etc., in which name of "Morgan" is 
heard. Margaret returns to window excitedly and looks 
off. Excitedly.) They are shouting Arthur's name! Is it 
possible that he has won? I hope so with all my heart. 

Enter Allen, R. C. He comes down C. and Margaret 
turns and meets him eagerly. 

Margaret (to Allen). What news, Mr. Allen? 

Allen. I was just informed that Morgan's nomination 
was assured. 

Margaret (nervously). Thank God for that! Oh, I 
wish he'd come! 

Allen. What's the matter, Margaret ? You seem greatly 
disturbed. 

Margaret (laughingly). And so would you probably, if 
you were under arrest. 

Allen (surprised). Under arrest? Explain yourself . 

Margaret. Technically, I am under arrest or will be 
within two hours, unless I disclose my identity, which will 
not be difficult, I fancy. 

Allen (puzzled). I don't understand. Why should you 
be arrested? 

Margaret (posing at C.) Look at me, Mr. Allen — I am 
a confidence queen ! 

Allen. I'm still as much in the dark as ever, my child. 

Margaret. According to Hampton and Williams, I'm 
supposed to be some wretched woman who swindled some- 
body or other in New York out of ten thousand dollars. 

Allen. I see! Some scheme of Hampton and Williams 
to revenge themselves upon you for balking their game 
when they sought to fasten that ridiculous and mythical 
robbery of Dr. Jordan upon Morgan. 



72 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Margaret. It was no mythical robbery, Mr. Allen. It 
really took place and it was arranged by Williams and 
Hampton. 

Allen (surprised) . The deuce you say! This is an un- 
expected obstacle you've encountered on your royal highway 
to happiness. This is becoming serious. 

Margaret. I'll override this obstacle, Mr. Allen. You 
must promise me one thing, won't you ? 

Allen (resignedly). I suppose I must. Fire away. 

Margaret. Promise, whatever may happen within the 
next hour or two, that you will remain silent until I give 
you leavt to speak. 

Allen. Remain silent when they call you a confidence 
queen ! I'll choke the first man that — 

Margaret (laughingly places her hand on his mouth). 
That's all right, Mr. Allen. I have your promise? 

Allen (resignedly) . I suppose so, Margaret. 

Enter Morgan, R. C, hastily. He runs to Margaret 

with outstretched arms. 
• 

Morgan (excitedly). We've won, Margaret, weVe won! 
(Takes her hands.) 

Margaret. I'm delighted, Arthur! Tell us all about it. 

Morgan. It was all over within ten minutes. When I got 
to the City Hall, I was informed by. Higgins that I needed 
only one vote, the vote on the first ballot being a tie. Then 
Higgins got busy and on the next ballot, I was nominated. 

Margaret. I presume Hampton was overjoyed. 
• Morgan (laughingly). He was mad as a wet hen and 
swore he'd scalp Higgins and me. But the rascal's power 
is broken at last, so let him rave. 

Margaret. His power may be broken, but unfortunately 
he still has fangs. 

Enter Hampton and Williams, R. C. As they come 
down C, Harrison enters and stands up, R. 

Morgan (crossing to desk, R. C). I'll take great pleasure 
in drawing Hampton's fangs. 

Hampton (to Morgan). You'll have a big contract on 
your hands when you begin, Morgan. 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 73 

Morgan (coldly). Leave this office. 

Hampton (angrily). I'll cut your comb yet! See here! 
We've come to tell you some facts about this here woman 
calling herself Miss Holmes — 

Morgan. Sir! 

Margaret (aside to Morgan). Be calm, Arthur 

Williams (at L. C). We have no desire to press this 
matter and will not do so unless Mr. Morgan agrees to 
decline his nomination in favor of O'Grady. 

Margaret (defiantly, at C). He shall not do it! 

Morgan (surprised). Why should I decline a nomina- 
tion I have fairly won ? 

Hampton. He doesn't catch on! Whisper it to him 
gently, Williams, so's he knows what the game is. 

Morgan (angrily). I repeat, leave this office, both of you ! 

Williams (to Harrison). Serve that warrant, Harrison. 

Morgan (amazed). Warrant! Upon whom? 

Williams. Miss Holmes. 

Allen (crossing to Margaret at C). This is an out- 
rage upon a defenseless woman and — 

Margaret (aside, to Allen). Silence! Remember your 
promise. 

Morgan. What is this mystery? 

Hampton (chuckling) . There ain't no mystery, Morgan. 
It's known to everybody except yourself that this here Miss 
Holmes ain't Miss Holmes at all. 

Morgan. Not Miss Holmes! 

Allen. Gentlemen, you are in error— 

Margaret (aside to Allen). Silence! 

Allen (protestingly, aside to Margaret). But the dis- 
grace of the thing! 

Margaret. Let me carry the burden, Mr. Allen. 

Hampton. There's no mistake. This young lady is an 
imposter and a thief ! 

Morgan (angrily). You lie! 

Williams. Harrison has the proofs. 

Harrison (taking document from pocket). I'm not sure 
of my ground, Mr. Morgan, but when I asked Miss Holmes 
about this awhile ago, she would not explain. 



74 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Margaret. I said I would explain within one hour. 

Morgan (anxiously, to Margaret). You will do so now, 
Margaret, please! 

Margaret (with bowed head). I cannot! 

Morgan (amazed). You cannot affirm that this odious 
charge is a lie ? 

Margaret (pleadingly) . You do not believe it, Arthur? 
Won't you believe me when I tell you that I am the victim 
of a horrible mistake ? 

Morgan (doubtingly) . Margaret! 

Allen (to Morgan). I'll answer for her, Morgan — 

Margaret (aside to Allen). Can't you see I'm testing 
him? 

Allen (resignedly). But you're taking a great risk, my 
child. 

Margaret. I trust in Providence. (To others.) Gentle- 
men, grant me three days and I promise to establish my 
identity to your entire satisfaction. 

Morgan (eagerly). That is fair, Harrison. Grant her 
three days. 

Hampton. Harrison can't do it. Get down to business, 
Harrison. You've got a warrant. 

Morgan (stepping to side of Margaret at C). Stop! 
No man shall lay a hand upon this young woman, warrant 
or no warrant ! 

Hampton (horrified) . He's defying the law! 

Harrison. You're not offering to resist me in the dis- 
charge of my duty, Mr. Morgan? 

Morgan. I will be responsible for this woman ! 

Harrison. You mean you will provide bail for her? That 
suits me. 

Morgan (placing arm about Margaret's waist). I mean 
that Miss Holmes is my fiancee and that it is my duty to 
stand by her until this mystery has been solved ! 

Margaret. You have not lost faith in me, Arthur ? 

Morgan. No. 

Margaret (wistfully). And if I should be adjudged 
guilty ? 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 75 

Morgan (earnestly). I would believe in you still, Mar- 
garet ! 

Margaret (proudly). You are indeed a man among men ! 
(Margaret and Morgan stand hand in hand, C, Williams 
stands R. C, watching them angrily, Hampton stands L. C, 
while Harrison stands near window until — ) 

Curtain. 



Act IV. 
Scene : Same as Act I, two weeks later. 

At rise discovered Mrs. Jones, seated on sofa, L. C, and 
Allen, near fireplace, R. 2 E. Scene is illuminated, it being 
evening. 

Mrs. Jones (to Allen). Have you seen Mr. Morgan 
since his return? 

Allen. For an instant only, this afternoon. He seemed 
distressed, in fact, dazed, like a man in a dream. 

Mrs. Jones. Poor man ! The disappearance of Miss 
Holmes after that scene in his office two weeks ago, affected 
him deeply. 

Allen. Unquestionably. 

Mrs. Jones. Then you think the charge brought against 
her served only to strengthen his love for Miss Holmes? 

Allen. It certainly had that effect, Mrs. Jones. 

Mrs. Jones. Are you convinced that the accusation is 
false ? 

Allen. Certainly, madame. I've known her too long to 
doubt her integrity and honor. 

Mrs. Jones (surprised) . Then you knew her before you 
came to this place? 

Allen. Only slightly, Mrs. Jones. She was a protege of 
Miss Ames. 

Mrs. Jones. Were they friendly? 

Allen. More than that, they were inseparable. 

Mrs. Jones. Then she could not have been a confidence 
queen ? 



76 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Allen. That depends, Mrs. Jones. She won my con- 
fidence and she holds it still. If that be a crime, I hope to 
find more women like Miss Holmes. 

Mrs. Jones. How do you account for her flight ? 

Allen. How can you account for anything a woman may 
do, and that woman Miss Holmes ? 

Mrs. Jones. Her disappearance caused Mr. Morgan much 
trouble inasmuch as he had given the assurance that she 
would be produced when wanted. 

Allen. Morgan's a man, every inch of him! 

Enter Jordan, C. D. 

Jordan (to others as he comes down C). I have just left 
Mr. Morgan. Poor, dear man ! He is in great mental 
distress. 

Mrs. Jones (to Jordan). Did he bring news of Miss 
Holmes ? 

Jordan. No. He informed me that he searched Phila- 
delphia, New York and Boston, but not a trace of her 
could he discover. 

Allen. Tell him not to despair, Dr. Jordan. She'll be 
heard from one of these days, I'm sure. 

Jordan. So I told him, but he is in such a frame of mind 
that he won't believe me. May the Lord preserve her! 

Allen. If the Lord doesn't, Miss Ames will, I fancy. 

Jordan. By the way, have you heard the news? 

Mrs. Jones. News? 

Jordan. Miss Ames is expected here on the evening train. 

Allen (looking at watch). That reminds me! I have 
just time to get to the station. Will you excuse me? (Goes 
to C. D.) 

Mrs. Jones You will fetch Miss Ames here, Mr. Allen? 
I'm dying to see her. 

Allen. I shall drive her here without delay. (Exit, d 
D.) 

Mrs. Jones (to Jordan). I understand the parsonage 
is finished, Dr. Jordan? 

Jordan (crossing to table, R. C). I am happy to say it 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 77 

is, Mrs. Jones. We will have a genuine old-fashioned house- 
warming. 

Mrs. Jones. We shall all look forward to that event with 
pleasure. 

Jordan (looks about, then whispers). I have another 
surprise for you. 

Mrs. Jones. Surprise? 

Jordan. I received an express package today containing 
(looks carefully about, then whispers) two thousand 
dollars ! 

Mrs. Jones. How gratifying, Dr. Jordan! It is certain 
your good angel has not deserted you. 

Jordan. That's why I whisper the news to you. You 
remember the last time, some ungodly man decamped with 
the money sent me and but for Miss Holmes finding it, 
the parsonage would not have been built. 

Mrs. Jones (laughingly) . I hope you will keep the money 
in a safer place this time, doctor. 

Jordan (looking about, then whispering). I have it in 
my shoes ! 

Enter Felton and Lucy, C. D. 

Fe'lton (to Jordan as he comes down C). We've been 
searching for you everywhere, haven't we, Lucy ? 

Lucy (coming down L.). Yes, that's so, Dr. Jordan. 

Jordan.. Searching for me? How may I have the pleas- 
ure of serving you? 

Enter Morgan, C. D. He stands and listens. 

Felton (bashfully). You see, doctor, it concerns Lucy 
and me — (Hesitates.) 

Jordan (shocked). I'm afraid you have been quarreling 
again, like the children you are. 

Felton. Oh, no — at least, it wasn't I, for Lucy does all 
the quarreling. 

Lucy (indignantly). Harry Felton! I'll scratch you if 
you say such a horrid thing again ! 

Felton. Don't you do it, Lucy. Cats scratch and you — 
you are only a chicken! 

Mrs. Jones (annoyed). How you children talk! 



78 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Felton. That's right, Lucy, we aren't getting anywhere, 
but we're determined to, to — (Hesitates.) 

Morgan (interrupting as he slaps Felton on back). 
Postpone your announcement until tomorrow, do you mean ? 

Jordan (to Morgan). I'm delighted to see you, Mr. 
Morgan. (They shake hands.) 

Mrs. Jones (rising). Welcome home, Mr. Morgan. 

Felton (aside, ruefully). Wouldn't that jar you! He 
butted in just as I was about to arrange for our wedding! 
(Turns to Lucy, L. C.) 

Lucy (to Felton). If you don't manage that tongue 
of yours better, I'm afraid I'll die an old maid! (They con- 
fer aside animatedly.) 

Jordan. What news, Mr. Morgan? 

Morgan (crossing to desk at R. C). None. I searched 
everywhere, but found no clew to her whereabouts. Ah, 
what would I not give to find her ! This anxiety will drive 
me mad! 

Jordan (consolingly). Be resigned to the will of the 
Lord, my son. He will find a way to unite you, provided it 
be the Master's will. 

Morgan (sighing heavily). I fear I lack your faith, Dr. 
Jordan. I think, dream, search and pray, but I am balked at 
every turn/ I sometimes doubt the Master in my despair, 
and when I think, as I often do, that she may be dead, my 
heart almost ceases to beat, and sorrow chills my soul ! 
Ah, Margaret dead! The very thought that this may be 
so drives me to despair! 

Jordan (piously): I feel for you, my son, but remem- 
ber, God works in a mysterious way his wonders to perform. 

Morgan. I thank you for your expressions of sympathy, 
but until I see her again, life holds little joy in store for 
me. (Works listlessly at desk, R. C.) 

Jordan (to Mrs. Jones). It is time that we get to the 
meeting of the church trustees in the parlor above. We are, 
ten minutes late already. 

Mrs. Jones (watching Morgan). You are right, Dr. 
Jordan. Poor fellow! (Exeunt with Jordan, C. D.) 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 79 

Lucy (aside, to Felton, pointing to Morgan). Cheer 
him up, Harry. I'm going to see Mrs. Meeker, who is ill, 
and I'll be back in five minutes. 

Felton. I'll expect you in ten minutes. (Exit Lucy, 
C. D. Aside, as he looks at Morgan.) I always was a 
Job's comforter. (Crosses to Morgan at R. C. — to Mor- 
gan.) Mr. Morgan! 

Morgan. What is it, Harry? 

Felton. Seeing that you got back tonight after an absence 
of three, days, I thought you might be interested in hearing 
the latest news. 

Morgan (wearily). You have news? 

Felton. Have you heard that Williams was fired? 

Morgan (surprised). No. How did it happen? 

Felton. The day after you left, Mr. Allen received a 
telegram from Miss Ames instructing him to discharge 
Williams immediately. 

Morgan. I expected it. Did the rascal resent his dis- 
charge ? 

Felton. He howled, raved and swore that the order was 
a fake and he wired to Miss Ames personally about the 
matter. 

Morgan. Some men die hard. Did Miss Ames reply? 

Felton. She answered that the order of dismissal was 
genuine and Williams left the office swearing vengeance 
upon everybody. 

Morgan. What did the men say? 

Felton. They tangoed all about the place for joy. Those 
fellows love him as I love cyanide and that isn't much. 

Morgan. He may thank his stars she did not make up 
her mind to prosecute him for his rascality. Where is he 
now? 

Felton. Sleeping off a jag in Kelly's saloon. He's been 
drunk ever since he was thrown out. By the way, here's 
a letter I found in his desk. (Takes letter from pocket and 
hands it to Morgan.) Williams overlooked it, but I can't 
just make it out. 

Morgan (takes letter, glances at it listlessly, then with a 
visible start, he glares at it). Strange! 



80 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Felton (at C). That's what I said. 

Morgan {stupefied). My sister's handwriting! 

Felton {surprised) . Your sister! 

Morgan {feverishly removing letter from envelope). I 
know her handwriting as well as I do my own! I cannot 
be mistaken. {Reads.) "You have driven me to despair — 
my blood be on your head ! Martha." {Rises in excite- 
ment.) See! It is signed by Martha — my dead sister! My 
God ! What was he to her ? How did this letter come into 
his possession? 

Felton {aside). I guess I started something. 

Morgan {excitedly). Is it possible that Stark and Wil- 
liams are one and the same! {Looks at envelope.) It is 
addressed to No. 6,579, Sing Sing prison. {Takes memor- 
andum from pocket and compares it with letter.) It is the 
same! Stark — Stark! {To Felton.) Harry, can you find 
Williams and bring him here? 

Felton. I hate to be seen in the joints he frequents, but 
if you want him, I'll do my best to find him. 

Morgan. Thank you, Harry. And by the way, if you 
see Harrison, fetch him with you also. 

Felton. Sure, Mr. Morgan. {Goes to C. D., turns and 
looks at Morgan sympathetically — aside.) I'm afraid this 
business has gone to his head. {Exit CD.) 

Morgan {at C). At last I am on the trail of the man who 
killed my sister! God help him, if my suspicions are veri- 
fied! {ExitR.2E.) 

Enter Farrell, CD. 

Farrell {as he comes down C). He sidestepped me 
down at the door, but he can't be far away. I'm going to 
settle matters with Williams tonight, if I croak for it to- 
morrow. He done me dirt and he don't get away wid it, 
even if I have to give the whole snap away. Lucky nobody 
seen me come in here. What's that! 

Enter Morgan, R. 2 E. 

Morgan {shows surprise on seeing Farrell). What are 
you doing here, Farrell? 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 81 

Farrell (coolly). Looking for a hand-me-down supper, 
boss. 

Morgan (.crossing to desk, R. C). Come, out with it! 
What is your business here ? 

Farrell (after a pause). I'm waiting for a party. 

Morgan. Waiting for whom? 

Farrell. Williams. 

Morgan. You know this man quite well, don't you, 
Farrell ? 

Farrell. I should say so. He was me pal once. 

Morgan. I thought so. I'm going to ask you a few ques- 
tions, Farrell. Will you answer me straight? 

Farrell. As long as my replies don't incriminate me, 
boss. Fire away. What do youse want to know ? 

Morgan. When did you first meet Williams? 

Farrell. About ten years ago. 

Morgan. Where? 

Farrell. In Sing Sing. 

Morgan (starts). He was a convict? 

Farrell. He wore stripes, if dat's what youse mean, 
boss. We wus pals together in the commissary department. 

Morgan. What was he doing time for ? 

Farrell. Pushin' de queer — counterfeiting. 

Morgan. And you? 

Farrell. I got five years for snatching a lady's purse. 
She squealed and I couldn't make my getaway. 

Morgan. What name did you know Williams by when 
you first met him in Sing Sing? 

Farrell (thoughtfully, at C). He had as many names 
as a loafer wolf has got fleas. 

Morgan. Think of one. 

Farrell. They called him Annanias, because he lied 
every chance he got. 

Morgan. Williams answers to that all right. Next? 

Farrell (meditatively). I ain't much good on remem- 
bering names, boss, 'cause if I had, I'd been a bank presi- 
dent instead of a con. Let me see — Jenks, Benton, Jones — 
I've got it! 

Morgan (eagerly). Yes, yes — his name! 



82 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Farrell. ■ Stark ! 

Morgan (starts). Stark! This is providential indeed ! 

Farrell (surprised) . What's dat, boss? 

Morgan (recovering himself). Nothing, Farrell. Why 
are you searching for Williams? 

Farrell (savagely). 'Cause he done me a bad turn when 
I trusted him, and I wants to even up de score. 

Morgan. How did he treat you badly ? 

Farrell (going close to Morgan at R. C). See here, 
boss ! Are youse on de square wid a fellow wot is down 
and out? 

Morgan. I'm on the square with you, Farrell. 

Farrell. 'I don't know why I'm doing it, but I want 
advice. If I tell youse a secret that would put me away for 
ten years, would youse give me away? 

Morgan. Never ! 

Farrell.. Good! I know a square guy when I sees him, 
and I'll bet my reputation as a wise cove dat youse is on 
de square. But Williams or Stark — I don't care as how 
youse calls him — is a bum. 

Enter Felton, C. D. He stands at entrance and listens 
unobserved. 

Morgan (impatiently) . Tell me all you know about him. 

Farrell. Well, youse see, he got me to rob a sky pilot 
here six weeks ago — 

Morgan (interrupting). A sky pilot? 

Farrell. Sure, this preacher guy, Dr. Jordan. 

Morgan (surprised). Dr. Jordan! 

Farrell. Sure thing. Well, I climbs into a window one 
night, jimmies a desk and pinches a wallet stuffed wid yel- 
low backs — five t'ousand or so. Den I climbs out ag'in just 
as youse comes to de house and I makes my getaway slick 
and clean. 

Morgan (thoughtfully). I see it all now! You lost 
the money. 

Farrell (whistling softly in protest). I lose de wad? 
Say, what is youse giving me? (Laughingly.) I lose a 






i 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 83 

bunch of yellow backs once I get 'em in me mitt! Not on 
yer tintype, I didn't ! 

Morgan (amazed). You didn't lose the money? What 
became of it? 

Farrell. I gives it to Williams, who, wid Hampton, was 
waiting for me down de street a little ways. 

Morgan (aside, as he crosses to R. 2 E. } in perplexity). 
Margaret said she found it! What is this mystery? (To 
Farrell.) Well, what happened next, Farrell? 

Farrell. I wanted Williams to give me my share at once, 
but he puts me off till de next day when he gives me a 
measly t'ree hundred. I puts de wad into me pocket, gets 
a train fur New York and de first place where I tries 
to change a twenty, they try to nab me 'cause de bill wus 
counterfeit. 

Morgan (laughingly). And they say there's honor among 
thieves ! 

Farrell (gloomily, at C). De next day a pal of mine, 
who is an expert on phony bills, tells me de whole pile 
which Williams gave me, was rank counterfeit. 

Morgan. He is a greater rascal than I deemed him to be. 

Farrell. Dat's right, boss. I guv de stuff to my pal to 
do de bunco stunt wid and den I made up my mind to get 
even wid Williams even if my weasle was slit in de 
operation. 

Felton (coming down C). I was unable to locate Wil- 
liams, Mr. Morgan. 

Morgan. He cannot have left town, Harry? 

Felton. I believe not. He was seen at Cassidy's saloon 
an hour ago, drunk as a lord. He dropped out of sight 
and hasn't been seen since. 

Farrell. I guess I've an idea where he is hanging out. 
I'll see. (Goes up C.) 

Morgan (to Farrell). Will you return soon, Farrell? 

Farrell (laughingly). Can't say, boss. I've got a job on 
me hands and don't know how soon I'll finish it. 

Felton (aside to Morgan). If he meets Williams, he's 
apt to murder him. 



84 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Morgan. You may be right, Harry. (To Farrell.) No 
violence, Farrell. Remember, I must settle with him first. 

Farrell (significantly). Whatever I do, boss, I'll make 
it easier for youse. (Exit CD.) 

Morgan (to Felton). Go to the police station, Harry, 
and tell Harrison to arrest Williams on sight. I'll sign the 
warrant immediately. 

Felton. All right, Mr. Morgan. (Exit C D.) 

Morgan (crossing to R. 2 E.). Margaret told me she 
found that money! Where did she get it? Is this odious 
accusation against her true after all? I cannot believe it, 
yet the evidence against her is overwhelming! Facts point 
to her guilt, and yet, my heart refuses to accept what rea- 
son dictates! Love has blinded me to her faults, perhaps, 
but come what may, I love and have faith in her still! 
(Exit R. 2 E.) 

Enter Jordan and Mrs. Jones, C. D. They come down 
°C, Jordan going to desk, R. C, Mrs. Jones seating herself 
on sofa, L. C. 

Jordan. It is all very astonishing to be sure, Mrs. Jones. 
I cannot understand it. 

Mrs. Jones. Something must be done to discover the 
identity of this philanthropist who is doing so much for 
us here. 

Jordan. I cannot rest until this mysterious person has 
been found and suitably honored. (Tooting of automobile 
horn heard offstage R., then enter Lucy, C. D., running.) 

Lucy (excitedly). She's come, she's come! 

Jordan. Who's come, my child? 

Lucy. Miss Ames. 

Jordan. Why, to be sure ! I had quite forgotten for the 
moment that she was expected this evening. 

Mrs. Jones (rises and goes up C). Good gracious! 
Miss Ames coming and I looking like a dowdy! (Adjusts 
her dress and tucks in her hair.) 

Lucy (at C. D., looking off). There's Mr. Allen with a 
woman ! My ! How swell she is ! 

Mrs. Jones. What does she look like, Lucy? 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 85 

Lucy. I can't just say, because she's veiled. You may 
see for yourself, for here she comes. 

Enter Allen and Margaret, C. D., Lucy turns L. as 
they go down C. slowly. Jordan stands R. C, while Mrs. 
Jones stands near sofa. 

Allen {to Mrs. Jones). Mrs. Jones, permit me to in- 
troduce you to Miss Ames. 

Mrs. Jones {bowing). I'm charmed to meet Miss Ames, 
of whom we have heard so much. 

Margaret. The pleasure is reciprocal, I assure you, Mrs. 
Jones. 

Allen {to Jordan). Dr. Jordan, Miss Ames. 

Jordan. In behalf of my fellow townsmen, I welcome 
you, Miss Ames. 

Enter Morgan, R. 2 E. He goes to desk, R. C. 

Allen {to Morgan). Mr. Morgan, Miss Ames. {To 
Margaret.) Miss Ames, Mr. Morgan. 

Morgan {coldly). I am delighted to meet Miss Ames, 
of whom I have heard so much. {Sits at desk and zvorks.) 

Margaret {aside, at C). How coM he is! {Removes 
veil then turns from one to the other.) Do you recognize 
me? 

All {in one voice, astonished) . Miss Holmes! 

Morgan {starts — aside). Margaret! 

Allen {laughingly) . Miss Holmes that was, Miss Ames 
that is. 

Morgan {aside). Miss Ames! Fool that I was! 
{Works.) 

Margaret. Have I your forgiveness for the harmless 
deception I have practiced upon you? 

Mrs. Jones. How romantic! 

Jordan. Wonderful ! A light breaks in on my soul ! 

Margaret. A light? 

Jordan. The mystery is explained, Mrs. Jones — our 
anonymous philanthropist is Miss Holmes that was, Miss 
Ames that is! 

Mrs. Jones. Unquestionably, Dr. Jordan. 

Jordan. In the name of charity, we dovoutly thank you 



86 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

for your God-sent benefactions, Miss Ames. The city shall 
ring your praises and bestow upon you the myrtle wreath 
of undying fame when the truth is made known tomorrow. 
Margaret. I sincerely hope there will be no demonstra- 
tion, Dr. Jordan, for that would be distinctly distasteful 
to me. I have done little as yet for charity, but with your 
help I hope to do more in the future. 

Enter Hampton, C. D. He comes down C. slowly 

Jordan (piously). God will reward you, Miss Ames. 

Margaret. To have won your approval, Dr. Jordan, is 
the only reward I could ask for. 

Jordan. You have won it, dear lady. (To Mrs. Jones.) 
We must spread the glad tidings of joy, Mrs. Jones. 

Mrs. Jones. Oh, I'll spread it, never fear. Good night, 
Miss Ames. 

Margaret (watching Morgan). Good night, Mrs. Jones. 
(Exeunt Jordan and Mrs. Jones, CD.) 

Hampton (aside). What's the excitement? (Sees Mar- 
garet, starts in astonishment.) Hello! There's Miss 
Holmes fresh and smiling. (To Margaret.) How do, Miss 
Holmes? 

Margaret (coldly). Who is this person, Mr. Allen? 

Hampton. B-r-r-r! Chilly as a March fog. 

Allen (to Hampton). You're mistaken in the identity 
of this woman who is not Miss Holmes, but Miss Margaret 
Ames. 

Hampton (surprised). Miss Ames! Not the daughter 
of old Sam Ames, that rare old skinflint — 

Margaret (sternly). Sir! How dare you insult the 
memory of my father? 

Hampton. Beg pardon, Miss Ames. (He looks at her 
for an instant, then bursts out in gruff laughter.) Why, of 
course, it's Miss Ames. I knew you all the time-! 

Margaret (aside to Allen). Get this wretch out of my 
sight as speedily as possible. Get them all out, for I must 
speak to him (pointing to Morgan) alone. (Sees Lucy, 
L. C To Lucy.) I'm delighted to see you! (Shakes 
Lucy's hand.) 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 87 

Lucy. You're awfully kind, Miss Holm — Ames. 

Margaret. Call me Margaret, please do, Lucy, for the 
sake of old times. 

Lucy. Margaret! If all rich women had your heart, 
there'd be less misery in this rotten old world! {They con- 
fer aside, L. C.) 

Enter Felton, C. D. He sees Lucy, then goes to her 
and starts visibly on seeing Margaret, who turns to him 
smilingly. 

Margaret (to Felton, extending her hand). Good 
evening, Harry. 

Felton (surprised). Miss Holmes! Welcome home. 
(Shakes her hand.) 

Lucy. This lady is Miss Ames, Harry. 

Felton (a mazed). Miss Ames! The age of miracles has 
not passed ! 

Margaret (laughingly). It is not as wonderful as you 
think. I came here as Miss Holmes to do a little experi- 
menting and the result has been so satisfactory that I re- 
solved to return in another capacity. 

Felton. You're doubly welcome, Miss Ames. 

Margaret (whispering). Leave me now, but return soon. 
I shall have something of interest to both of you to say 
when we meet again. Will you come? 

Felton. Certainly. Come along, Lucy. (Exeunt Felton 
and Lucy, CD.) 

Allen (to Hampton). I desire to discuss an important 
matter with you, Hampton. Let us adjourn to the bar. 

Hampton. My throat is covered with cobwebs, so I 
don't mind. (To Margaret.) I hear you need a new super- 
intendent, Miss Ames. 

Margaret. Are you open to engagements, Mr. Hampton ? 

Hampton (shyly). Try me. The political game ain't 
what it used to be since you and Morgan gave me that 
solar plexus blow. So if you could let bygones be bygones 
and give me a job — 

Margaret (coldly). I shall consider your application, sir. 
(Turns R.) 



88 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Hampton (aside). Gee! but she's an ice wagon, all right. 
(To Allen.) I hope you won't kick a fellow when he's 
down and out, Allen. 

Allen. We'll talk it over outside. 

Hampton. What I want is a job, not wind jamming. 
Come, I must have a cocktail, or I'll explode! (Exeunt 
Hampton and Allen, CD.) 

Margaret (going to desk, R. C. — to Morgan). Arthur! 

Morgan (rising). Miss Holmes — pardon me, Miss Ames. 

Margaret (sadly). You used to call me Margaret in 
the old days. Have you forgotten them so soon ? 

Morgan. I knew you in those days as Margaret Holmes 
and now that you stand revealed to me as Miss Ames, a 
woman of millions, occupying a high social station to which 
I dare not aspire, I would not presume to remind you of 
the past, sweet as it is and ever will be, to me. 

Margaret. This is mere quibbling, Arthur. Confess it, 
you harbor ill-grounded resentment against me because of — 
because of — I must say it — my deception — 

Morgan (interrupting). No, not precisely that. 

Margaret. But you said to me one day when you related 
the story of your sister's wrongs, that you could not find 
it in your heart to forgive any woman who wilfully deceived 
you. 

Morgan (pleadingly). Miss Ames! 

Margaret. Do you say so still ? 

Morgan. You did not. deceive me alone, but all of us who, 
knowing you as Miss Holmes, admired and respected you. 

Margaret (bitterly). I thought at least that one of 
those you mention loved, as well as admired and respected 
me. Perhaps it was a pleasant dream. 

Morgan. Margaret — Miss Ames! 

Margaret. As I deceived you, so have you now unde- 
ceived me ! Is my deception a crime beyond pardon ? 

Morgan (passionately) . Every word you utter is as a 
dagger thrust to my heart! Believe me, you do me an in- 
justice. When I first met you, I believed you a poor girl, 
dependent upon her own resources for a livelihood, and 
as such you won my love. (Pauses.) 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 89 

Margaret (coldly). And now that you have been un- 
deceived ? 

Morgan. To win the love of Miss Holmes, proud as I 
felt, is one thing, but to entertain the delusion that I shall 
be permitted to retain the affection of Miss Ames, the 
possessor of millions, would be an egregious folly of which 
I am uncapable ! 

Margaret (bitterly). Foolish man! You speak of folly 
and yet you cannot read a woman's heart ! Cannot you com- 
prehend the motive that prompted me to change my name 
and begin life anew in another environment, pure, honest 
and wholesome, as that in which I lived was false, weari- 
some and degrading? 

Morgan. Degrading! 

Margaret (at C). Sickened almost unto death by the 
vanities of those making up the society in which I was 
forced to move, pursued by self-serving men and women 
who sought favors which they demanded as a sacred right, 
selfish souls with scarcely a redeeming trait; annoyed by 
brainless men who sought my hand in marriage so that they 
might enjoy my wealth, I sought for the royal highway to 
happiness in vain until my lucky star brought me to this 
place ! 

Morgan (emotion). Margaret! 

Margaret. Then I met you — your struggles became 
mine ! I felt that I was about to accomplish real things in 
life and renewed hope, like new blood, coursed like rich 
wine through my soul ! I studied the needs of this little 
place so long neglected by my father who had amassed 
his riches here, and I did what I could to alleviate the 
sufferings of widows and orphans and by the aid of money, 
infuse new life into its decadent and expiring public 
institutions. 

Morgan (admiringly). Noble girl! 

Margaret (sadly). But all I have thus far done will 
have been wasted, if by playing a harmless role, I have 
sacrificed your respect — your love. 

Morgan (at C, taking her hands suddenly). You mean 
that you still love me, me, a poor lawyer — 



90 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Margaret. How little you know of love! Cannot you 
see that I love the man who showed me the depths of his 
soul when I wore the mask? Can't you realize that when 
that man speaks of his love to Miss Holmes, she, in another 
station and under another name, longs again to hear those 
avowals ? 

Morgan (embracing her). You fascinate me still! I love 
you, Margaret! 

Margaret (nestling against him). Arthur! 

Enter Felton, C. D., running. On seeing Morgan and 
Margaret at C, he halts suddenly. 

Felton (aside). Guess this is no place for a preacher's 
son! (He coughs. Margaret and Morgan separate in con- 
fusion, Margaret going to sofa, L. C.) 

Morgan (indignantly to Felton). What are you doing 
here, rascal? 

Felton (aside to Morgan). I hated to butt in on your 
tete-a-tete, but — Williams is coming. 

Morgan (starts). I had almost forgotten him. Let him. 
come ! 

Margaret. What of Williams, Arthur? 

Morgan. It was he who under the name of Stark, became 
my sister's husband and drove her to suicide. 

Margaret (taking Morgan's arm). And if you meet 
him face to face — ? 

Morgan (calmly). I'll kill him! 

Margaret. You shall not meet him ! Let the law take its 
course — 

Morgan (interrupting). No, no! I were not a man, did 
I not strangle him like the cur he is ! 

Felton (at C. D., looking off). He's coming! 

Margaret (pleadingly) . You shall not meet that man! 
Think of me; what would become of me if harm should 
befall you ? Come ! (She draws him against his will to L. 
U.E.) Come! 

Morgan (resignedly). As you will, Margaret. I leave 
him to the justice of heaven! (Exeunt Morgan and Mar- 
garet, L. U. E.) 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 91 

Enter Williams,, C. D. He is intoxicated and shows fear 
as he comes down C, Felton following him slozvly. 

Williams (looking about in fear — aside). I thought I 
saw Farrell following me, a gun in his hand ! Bah ! I'm 
dreaming! It couldn't have been he, and yet I could have 
sworn I saw his ugly face! (To Felton.) Keep your eye 
on that door, Felton, and let me know if you see Jimmy 
Farrel. 

Felton. I don't see him. 

Williams. Good! 

Felton. You've got 'em again, I see, Williams. Pretty 
soon you'll be seeing flocks of blue elephants with yellow 
tails, and monkeys dancing the tango around the chande- 
lier — 

Williams (interrupting angrily). Stop your nonsense! 

Felton (significantly). If I were you, Stark, I'd duck 
out of here as quickly as God would let me. 

Williams (frightened). Who told you my name was 
Stark? 

Felton. Jimmy Farrell. 

Williams (in fear). Farrell! 

Felton. He exposed every phase of your dirty history, 
how you drove Morgan's sister to suicide, and of your rec- 
ord as convict with him in Sing Sing. 

Williams. Did he tell Morgan? 

Felton. Morgan's got the goods on you all right, and if 
Farrell doesn't kill you, Morgan will. (Aside.) Gee! I love 
to rub it in ! 

Williams (staggers to R. U. E.). I must escape the net 
that is entrapping me, but how? With that bloodhound in 
pursuit, I am lost! I'll get to the street through this room 
and then I'm off for South America. (Exit R. U. E.) 

Felton (at R. U. E.). Gee! He'll break his neck 
if he jumps out of that window! (Calls off.) Goodby, 
Williams ! 

Enter Farrell, C. D. He looks about sharply as he comes 
down C.j one hand concealed in his coat pocket. 



92 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

Felton (to Farrell). Hello, Jimmy! Looking for 
somebody ? 

Farrell. Where's Williams ? 

Felton. How should I know? 

Farrell (angrily). Don't talk foolish, kid! I saw him 
walk into the hotel as I came up the street. (Noise off stage 
as of glass breaking.) What's that noise? (Goes to R. U. 
E.) It's in here! (Looks off.) Somebody's on the fire 
escape! If it's Williams, we'll have it out like good cons, 
and may de best man win! (Draws a revolver and exits 
R< U. E.) 

Felton (runs to R. U. E.) The dog will murder him! 
(As he looks off.) He's climbing out of the window. Wil- 
liams may escape after all ! 

Enter Harrison, C. D. 

Harrison (to Felton, as he crosses to R. U. E.) Did 
you see Farrell just now, Harry. 

Felton (pointing to R. U. E.). Yes, he's got a gun and 
is after Williams. There'll be something doing for the 
Coroner in a minute if you don't get a move on. 

Harrison. I'll get them both this time. (Exit R. U. E.) 

Two revolver shots fired off stage R. Enter Morgan 
and Margaret, L. U. E. 

Margaret (to Felton). What has happened? 

Felton. I think Farrell has got Williams as he said he 
would. 

Margaret. This is frightful, Arthur! 

Morgan (crossing to R. U. E., and looking off. Mar- 
garet and Felton watch him as he returns to them at. C). 
Heaven has avenged me! 

Enter Harrison, holding Farrell by arm, R. U. E. He 
half drags Farrell to upstage, C. Shouting heard off 
stage, R. 

Harrison (as he handcuffs Farrell). I'm afraid this 
will mean the chair for you, Jimmy. 

Farrell (laughing hoarsely). I'm willing to stretch 



THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 93 

hemp for de satisfaction I got out of it when I pinked him 
in de shoulder blade just as he wus humping it up de street. 

Harrison. What did you do it for, Jimmy? 

Farrell. 'Cause he done me dirt. Let's get along, Har- 
rison. I got the blood of a pup and he won't bark no more! 

Harrison. I'm afraid you're right, Jimmy, but there's 
a penalty even for killing dogs in this country. Come along. 
{Exeunt Harrison and Farrell, CD.) 

Enter Lucy, C. D. 

Lucy (as she comes down C). There's an awful crowd 
in the street. Somebody's shot and killed Williams, they 
say. 

Margaret. Let us forget this tragedy, Lucy. I have 
something for you. 

Lucy (shyly). For me, Miss Ames? 

Margaret (giving her a document which she takes from 
her small handbag). Here is something for you and Harry. 

Lucy (opening document, with Felton peering at it over 
her shoulder). Why, it looks like a deed! 

Margaret. And so it is — a deed to the little cottage on 
the hill which you one day told me you would give your eye 
teeth to own for yourself and Harry. 

Lucy (shyly). Aren't you lovely, Miss Ames! 

Morgan (laughingly). You may ask that question of 
Lucy without fear of anyone butting in now, Harry. 

Felton. I don't have to now. 

Margaret. What is that? 

Felton. Because Lucy popped the question herself last 
night ! It's all fixed. 

Lucy (indigninantly) . Harry Felton! 

Margaret (to Felton). There's another thing, Harry. 
I am in need of a superintendent, and I appoint you to 
that post. Do you accept? 

Felton. I couldn't refuse it if I tried, Miss Ames. 

Margaret.. I shall be offended if you attempt it, Harry, 
I hope you both may be happy in the days to come. 

Felton (embracing Lucy). You're my mascot, Lucy. 



94 THE ROYAL HIGHWAY. 

(To Margaret.) I'll report for duty tomorrow — (Pauses.) 
that is — after — after — 

Lucy. After what, Harry ? 

Felton (placing arm about Lucy). Our wedding. Good 
night! (Exeunt with Lucy, C. D., running.) 

Morgan (at C, with Margaret). You have brought 
happiness to many deserving souls. When shall you bestow 
upon me the supremest joy that can come to him who loves 
as I adore you ? 

Margaret. When you say the word, Arthur. 

Morgan. And are you content to make this place your 
home? 

Margaret. We will divide our time between this place 
and Washington, for you will be a Representative in Con- 
gress, you know. 

Morgan. Thanks to you, Margaret, I may. But will my 
success make you happy ? 

Margaret. I sought happiness and have found it in your 
love. With you by my side I never shall have reason to 
regret that we travel through life on the royal highway. 
(Morgan and Margaret stand C, in close embrace until — ) 

Curtain. 



The Old Oaken Bucket 

By MARY MONCURE PARKER. 

Price, 25 Cents 

Rural drama in 4 acts; 8 males, 6 females. Time. 2 hours. 
Scenes: 1 exterior, 1 interior. Characters: Reuben Hardacre, an 
honest old farmer. Tom, his son, a chip of the old block. Arthur 
Ames, true blue. Mark Hayward, a wolf in sheep's clothing. Jake, 
a rustic lover. Ezra Bobb, the postmaster. G. Whillikens, a 
neighbor. Rev. Mason, the peacemaker. Martha, Reuben's wife. 
Lizzie, the light of Uncle Reuben's eyes. Emily, the sunshine of 
the household. Sapphira, the village gossip. Mrs. G. Whillikens, 
proper, if not charitable. Miry, a country belle. 

SYNOPSIS. 

Act I. — "Reuben, you air so sot." "Jedge not." The village 
^.ossip makes things lively. The young artist recognizes a villain 
and also makes a conquest at the old well. Mark's education and 
good looks captivate Lizzie. "Meet me at the old log cabin at 
midnight." "Oh, Uncle, forgive me." 

Act II. — The early risers. "You read the letter, Tom, I can't." 
Sapphira bobs in. "I shudder to think I might have been drawed 
away." Reuben has a word to say to Sapphira. "Ain't nobody 
goin' to say a word agin' me or mine without gettin' acquainted 
with the way to the front door." True hearts and gingham skirts. 
Tom goes to find Lizzie. "He'll answer fer it with his life." 

Act III. — Jake reads the village paper. "Gals is queer critters." 
The Artist's return. The picture, "The Old Oaken Bucket," that 
brought fame and money. A stormy night — and a knock at the 
door. "It's Lizzie." The wanderer's return. "You ain't been away 
from our hearts a minute." "God bless you for your sweet for- 
giveness." 

Act IV. — Ted's wedding day. A surprise party. Snow, sleigh- 
bells and merriment. The country dance. Lizzie's entrance — con- 
sternation. "How's Mr. Hayward?" The wrath of the sturdy old 
farmer. Rev. Mason intervenes. Tom asks Lizzie to be his wife. 
Sapphira wonders — "The idea of him takin' her when he could 
get me." 



The Rocky Ridge Vaudeville Show 

By WILLIS N. BUGBEE. 

Price, 25 Cents 

Novelty entertainment. Eight complete vaudeville acts. Char- 
acters optional, about 25 males, 8 females. Many of the parts may 
be doubled so that it can be easily produced with 20 adults and 3 
children. Time, a full evening. The leading Citizen and corner 
grocery store wit of a small rural town visits a large city and at- 
tends a vaudeville show. He is enthusiastic over it and on his 
return, with local talent, puts on a similar performance at the 
town hall, which proves a stupendous success. 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 

154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 



The Goodfellow 

By HARRY L. NEWTON. 

Price, 25 Cents 

Comedy-drama in 3 acts; 8 males, 4 females. Time, 2y 2 hours. 
Scenes: 2 interiors. Characters: John Dawson, a goodfellow. 
Stubbie, a young reporter. Old Man Hudson, a mysterious philan- 
thropist. Steve Bacon, a detective. Richard Meadows, a private 
banker. Woodstock, an attorney. Capt. Richards, of police head- 
quarters. Henry Madison, a shiftless husband. Jane, his daugh- 
ter. Mrs. Madison, her invalid mother. Dora Woodruff, young 
and impressible. Martha Peck, old and impregnable. 

Professional stage rights reserved and a royalty of five dollars 
required for amateur performance. 

A GREAT MORAL PLAY WITH A "PUNCH." 
The Police Third Degree Scene, a Striking Novelty for Amateurs. 

SYNOPSIS. 

Act I. — Introducing the shiftless father. "Only two knew the 
combination — and folks don't generally rob themselves." The mys- 
terious philanthropist arrives. The stroke of the eyebrow. "He's 
the kind of a man who would lean up against fresh paint, so's to 
get something for nothing." Arrival of the detective. Mr. Steb- 
bins, you're a great little liar." 

Act II. — "I'm going to smile and be brave too." "Fifteen thou- 
sand dollars! He gave that away and I can't afford to smoke 
good cigars." Stubbie remembers the time, the place and the man. 
The sound of the walking stick. Meadows proposes marriage to 
Jane and offers to save John from the prison. "Somebody is just 
going out." Here's your hat! What's your hurry!" 

Act III. — The hundred dollar bill. "Captain, your Third De- 
gree stuff works like magic. I'll sign a confession." Stubbie 
shows that "he knows what he knows." "I knew you were inno- 
cent, John." "I have had my lesson — I was a goodfellow." Sweet- 
hearts united. A disgusted detective. "Cap, I'm goin' out and find 
me a job drivin' a truck. If I find two jobs, I'll save you one." 
"Sometimes you can wink at the law and get away with it. Here's 
where I wink." 

A Burns Rebellion 

By EDITH F. A. U. PAINTON. 

Price, 25 Cents 

Humorous entertainment, introducing characters from Robert 
Burns; 8 males, 5 females. Time, about 1 hour. Scene: 1 simple 
interior. Characters: Tarn O'Shanter, Souter Johnny, The Old Cot- 
ter, Jenny's Lover, The Reverend Sage, The Deil, Rab the Ranter 
(Burns' familiar- name for himself), Duncan Gray, Jenny, High- 
land Mary, Bonnie Jean, Kate and Maggie. They have met to dis- 
cuss the manner in which Burns has presented them to the world. 
Tarn O'Shanter complains that he has acquired fame from bibulous 
indiscretions, rather than from other qualities. Burns arrives and 
has great difficulty in quelling the rebellion of his brain children. 
Quotations from the original poems form most of the dialogue. 
Designed for schools, colleges and Scottish societies. 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 

154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 



DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS 

Price 15 Cents Each, Postpaid, Unless Different Price Is Given 



M. F. 

Documentary Evidence, 25 min. 1 1 

Dude in a Cyclone, 20 min 4 2 

Family Strike, 20 min 3 3 

First-Class Hotel, 20 min.... 4 

For Love and Honor, 20 min.. 2 1 

Fudge and a Burglar, 15 min.. 5 
Fun in a Photograph Gallery, 

30 min 6 10 

Great Doughnut Corporation, 

30 min 3 5 

Great Medical Dispensary, 30 m. 6 
Great Pumpkin Case, 30 min.. 12 

Hans Von Smash, 30 min.... 4 3 

Happy Pair, 25 min 1 1 

I'm Not Mesilf at All, 25 min. 3 2 
Initiating a Granger, 25 min.. 8 

Irish Linen Peddler, 40 min... 3 3 

Is the Editor In? 20 min... 4 2 

Kansas Immigrants, 20 min... 5 1 

Men Not Wanted, 30 min 8 

Mike Donovan's Courtship, 15 m. 1 3 

Mother Goose's Goslings, 30 m. 7 9 

Mrs. Carver's Fancy Ball, 40 m. 4 3 
Mrs. Stubbins' Book Agent, 30 

min 3 2 

My Lord in Livery, 1 hr.... 4 3 

My Neighbor's Wife, 45 min.. 3 3 

My Turn Next, 45 min 4 3 

My Wife's Relations, 1 hr. ... 4 6 

Not a Man in the House, 40 m. 5 

Obstinate Family, 40 min 3 3 

Only Cold Tea. 20 min 3 3 

Outwitting the Colonel, 25 min. 3 2 

Pair of Lunatics, 20 min 1 1 

Patsy O'Wang, 35 min 4 3 

Pat, the Apothecary, 35 min.. 6 2 

Persecuted Dutchman, 30 min. 6 3 

Regular Fix, 35 min 6 4 

Rough Diamond, 40 min. 4 3 

Second Childhood, 15 min.... 2 2 

Smith, the Aviator, 40 min... 2 3 

Taking Father's Place, 30 min. 5 3 

Taming a Tiger, 30 min 3 

That Rascal Pat, 30 min 3 2 

Those Red Envelopes, 25 min. 4 4 
Too Much of a Good Thing, 45 

min 3 6 

Treasure from Egypt, 45 min. 4 1 

Turn Him Out, 35 min 3 2 

Two Aunts and a Photo, 20 m. 4 

Two Bonnycastles, 45 min.... 3 3 
Two Gentlemen in a Fix, 15 m. 2 

Two Ghosts in White, 20 min. . 8 

Two of a Kind, 40 min 2 3 

Uncle Dick's Mistake, 20 min.. 3 2 

Wanted a Correspondent, 45 m. 4 4 

Wanted a Hero, 20 min 1 1 

Which Will He Marry? 20 min. 2 8 

Who Is Who? 40 min . . 3 2 

Wide Enough for Two, 45 min. 5 2 

Wrong Babv. 25 min 8 

Yankee Peddler, 1 hr. 7 3 



VAUDEVILLE SKETCHES, MON- 
OLOGUES, ETHIOPIAN PLAYS. 

M. F. 

Ax'in' Her Father, 25 min 2 3 

Booster Club of Blackville, 25 m.10 
Breakfast Food for Two, 20 m. 1 1 

Cold Finish, 15 min 2 1 

Coon Creek Courtship, 15 min. 1 1 
Coming Champion, 20 min.... 2 
Coontown Thirteen Club, 25 m.14 

Counterfeit Bills, 20 min 1 1 

Doings of a Dude, 20 min 2 1 

Dutch Cocktail, 20 min 2 

Five Minutes from Yell Col- 
lege, 1 5 * min 2 

For Reform, 20 min 4 

Fresh Timothy Hay, 20 min.. 2 1 
Glickman, the Glazier, 25 min. 1 1 
Handy Andy (Negro), 12 min. 2 

Her Hero, 20 min 1 1 

Hey, Rube! 15 min 1 

Home Run, 15 min 1 1 

Hot Air, 25 min 2 1 

Jumbo Jum, 30 min 4 3 

Little Red School House, 20 m. 4 

Love and Lather, '35 min 3 2 

Marriage and After, 10 min.. 1 
Mischievous Nigger, 25 min.. 4 2 

Mistaken Miss, 20 min 1 1 

Mr. and Mrs. Fido, 20 min 1 1 

Mr. Badger's Uppers, 40 min. 4 2 
One Sweetheart for Two, 20 m. 2 
Oshkosh Next Week, 20 mui . . 4 

Oyster Stew, 10 min 2 

Pete Yansen's Gurl's Moder, 10 

min 1 

Pickles for Two, 15 min 2 

Pooh Bah of Peacetown, 35 min. 2 2 
Prof. Black's Funnygraph, 15 m. 6 

Recruiting Office, 15 min 2 

Sham Doctor, 10 min 4 2 

Si and I, 15 min 1 

Special Sale, 15 min 2 

Stage Struck Darky, 10 min.. 2 1 
Sunny Son of Italy, 15 min.. 1 

Time Table, 20 min 1 1 

Tramp and the Actress, 20 min. 1 1 
Troubled by Ghosts, 10 min... 4 
Troubles of Rozinski, 15 min.. 1 
Two Jay Detectives, 15 min.. 3 

Umbrella Mender„ 15 min 2 

Uncle Bill at the Vaudeville, 

15 min 1 

Uncle Jeff, 25 min... 5 2 

Who Gits de Reward? 30 min. 5 1 

A great number of 

Standard and Amateur Plays 

not found here are listed in 

Denison's Catalogue 



T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers, 154 W. Randolph St. , Chicago 



POPULAR ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS 

Price, Illustrated Paper Covers, 25 cents each 




TN this Series 
are found 
books touching 
every feature 
in the enter- 
tainment field. 
Finely made, 
good paper, 
clear print and 
each book has 
an attrac t i v e 
individual cov- 
er design. 

DIALOGUES 

AJI Sorts of Dialogues. 

Selected, fine for older pupils. 
Catchy Comic Dialogues. 

Very celver; for young people. 
Children's Comic Dialogues. 

From six to eleven years of age. 
Dialogues for District Schools. 

For country schools. 
Dialogues from Dickens. 

Thirteen selections. 
The Friday Afternoon Dialogues. 

Over 50,000 copies sold. 
From Tots to Teens. 

Dialogues and recitations. 
Humorous Homespun Dialogues. 

For older ones. 
Little People's Plays. 

From 7 to 13 years of age. 
Lively Dialogues. 

For all ages; mostly humorous. 
Merry Little Dialogues. 

Thirty-eight original selections. 
When the Lessons are Over. 

Dialogues, drills, plays. 
Wide Awake Dialogues. 

Brand new, original, successful. 

SPEAKERS, MONOLOGUES 

Choice Pieces for Little People. 

A child's speaker. 
The Comic Entertainer. 

Recitations, monologues, dialogues." 
Dialect Readings. 

Irish, Dutch, Negro, Scotch, etc. 
The Favorite Speaker. 

Choice prose and poetry. 
The Friday Afternoon Speaker. 

For pupils of all ages. 
Humorous Monologues. 

Particularly for ladies. 
Monologues for Young Folks. 

Clever, humorous, original. 
Monologues Grave and Gay. 

Dramatic and humorous. 
The Patriotic Speaker. 

Master thoughts of master minds. 



The Poetical^ Entertainer. 

For reading or speaking. 
Pomes ov the Peepul. 

Wit, humor, satire, funny poems. 
Scrap- Book Recitations. 

Choice collections, pathetic, hu- 
morous, descriptive, prose, 
poetry. 14 Nos., per No. 25c. 

DRILLS 

The Best Drill Book. 

Very popular drills and marches. 
The Favorite Book of Drills. 

Drills that sparkle with originality. 
Little Plays With Drills. 

For children from 6 to 11 years. 
The Surprise Drill Book. 

Fresh, novel, drills and marches. 

SPECIALTIES 

The Boys' Entertainer. 

Monologues, dialogues, drills. 
Children's Party Book. 

Plans, invitations, decorations, 
games. 
The Days We Celebrate. 

Entertainments for all the holidays. 
Good Things for Christmas. 

Recitations, dialogues, drills. 
Good Things for Thanksgiving. 

A gem of a book. 
Little Folks' Budget. 

Easy pieces to speak, songs. 
One Hundred Entertainments. 

New parlor diversions, socials. 
Patriotic Celebrations. 

Great variety of material. 
Pranks and Pastimes. 

Parlor games for children. 
Private Theatricals. 

How to put on plays. 
Shadow Pictures, Pantomimes, 

Charades, and how to prepare. 
Tableaux and Scenic Readings. 

New and novel; for all ages. 
Twinkling Fingers and Sway- 
ing Figures. For little tots. 
Yuletide Entertainments. 

A choice Christmas collection. 

MINSTRELS, JOKES 

Black American Joker. 

Minstrels' and end men's gags. 
A Bundle of Burnt Cork Comedy. 

Monologues, stump speeches, etc. 
Laughland, via the Ha-Ha 

Route. 

A merry trip for fun tourists. 
Negro Minstrels. 

All about the business. 
The New Jolly Jester. 

Funny stories, jokes, gags, 

Large Illustrated Catalogue Free 



T.S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers ,154 W. Randolph St., Chicago 



